Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery

Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery. Fayette County. Founded in 1889 by Mathew Freeman, who was born into slavery in 1854 and died in 1930. Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery played an important role in Newtonville, Fayette County, and surrounding communities. He was a trailblazer and visionary, and purchased the land and other resources to build Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to founding the church and cemetery, he also founded the Newtonville Vocational School. The church made it possible for African Americans in rural communities to have access to education, spiritual guidance and resources during a period when these services were unavailable. During the darker days of racial injustice, the church served as a place of refuge. Recognizing these crucial needs, Mathew Freeman's incredible vision, leadership, and philanthropy demonstrated and highlighted his commitment to the uplift of his people, community, and the state of Alabama. Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery continue to play an important role in the Newtonville community. Mathew Freeman and other members of the community were laid to rest in the cemetery. Listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on August 24, 2022.