Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Original Site of Lakeside United Methodist Church
1866-1968
Inscription.
Marker Front:
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 1997 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. 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. Marker 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.
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.
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 1,269 times since then and 91 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.