Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church
1866-1968
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 21, 2011
1. Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker
The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church purchased this property in 1866, and the congregation erected a frame building with a brick basement in 1867. The Rev. Howell Echols was the first pastor. In 1886, a brick building, constructed from dismantled materials from the original Episcopal Church of the Nativity, was dedicated. The property was sold during urban renewal in the 1960's, and the congregation moved to 3738 Meridian Street in 1968. The building on this site was destroyed by fire, and many items, including church records, stained glass windows, cornerstones, and a chandelier, were lost.
Marker Reverse:
For more than a century at this site, Lakeside provided educational, political, and cultural leaders for Huntsville. The first city-supported school for blacks was located in the basement (1867-1890), with Henry C. Binford, Charles Hendley, Jr., and Thomas Cooper as principals. Six of the nine black Aldermen in Huntsville from 1880-1905 were members of the church: Thomas Townsend, Nelson Hendley, David and Daniel Brandon, Dr. Burgess E. Scruggs, and Henry C. Binford . Mary Binford Jordan began the Annual Harvest Cultural Festival in 1901 in the basement and the first public library for blacks was opened there in 1940 by Dulcina DeBerry.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 34° 43.987′ N, 86° 35.286′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Jefferson Street N and Meridan Street NW, on the right when traveling east on Jefferson Street N. 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: Saint Mary's Church of the Visitation (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Fountains (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I (about 500 feet away); World War II (about 500 feet away); Korean War (about 500 feet away); Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boyhood Home Site (about 500 feet away); Vietnam War (about 500 feet away); Global War on Terrorism (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
![Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.](Photos1/155/Photo155849.jpg?10302011125600AM "Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker [Reverse]. Click for full size.")
Photographed by Paul Crumlish, June 2, 2011
2. Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker [Reverse]
Photographed by Paul Crumlish, June 2, 2011
3. Wide view of the Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker
At the site of the Lakeside United Methodist Church which today is a parking lot adjacent to downtown Huntsville.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 21, 2011
4. Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker
Looking north along Jefferson Street. W.L. Halsey grocery store (built 1904) on the right.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 21, 2011
5. Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church Marker
Looking SSE along Jefferson Street toward downtown Huntsville. Intersection with Meridian St NW to the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,781 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on October 21, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.
