Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church

Located here 1872-1964

— Oldest Negro congregation in Alabama —

Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, July 2, 2010

1. Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Organized 1820 by William Harris, a slave, who was minister more than 50 years. Original church, called Huntsville African Baptist, stood 4 blocks south in Old Georgia Graveyard. In 1870, this church and 3 others formed Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association. Congregation occupied brick church on this site 1872-1964. In 1965, moved to new building, 3020 Belafonte Ave., N.W. Present name honors Bartley Harris, saintly second minister. Other pastors: Felix Jordan, Eli Patton, Richard Moore, Amos Robinson.

Erected 1970 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 34° 43.62′ N, 86° 35.116′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. It is on Williams Avenue east of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville AL 35801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Neal Kitchen (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Huntsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Twickenham Historic District

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boardman Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Slave Quarters (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Water's Journey to You (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alabama’s Constitution and Statehood (approx. 0.2 miles away); Constitution Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bessie (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Originally dedicated 20 September 1970, the present marker was refurbished and dedicated in 2000.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, July 2, 2010

2. Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Marker

Looking West along Williams Avenue; intersection at Gallatin Street in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,103 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 20, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.