Marion in Perry County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

First Congregational Church of Marion

Established 1869

Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 8, 2013

1. First Congregational Church of Marion Marker

Inscription. Organized in Lincoln School by freed slaves and representatives of the American Missionary Association, an auxiliary of the Congregational Churches of America. Wherever a school was operated by the A.M.A. a church soon followed. Religion and education were viewed as a means of improving the conditions of former slaves and as a solution for many problems. Through the years the church has been a strong advocate of freedom and justice for all.

In 1931 the Congregational and Christian Churches merged forming the Congregational Christian Church, which in 1957 joined with the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the United Church of Christ.

This building was constructed by members and friends of the congregation in 1871 and is the oldest and most unaltered example of an early black church in Marion. The first pastor was the Rev. G.W. Andrews and T.C. Stewart was the architect and contractor.
National Register of Historical Places 12-17-1982

Erected 1986 by Alabama Historical Commission and the Congregation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

Location.

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32° 37.657′ N, 87° 19.701′ W. Marker is in Marion, Alabama, in Perry County. Marker is at the intersection of Clay Street and Church Street, on the left when traveling west on Clay Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Clay Street, Marion AL 36756, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln Normal School (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marion Military Institute Korean War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Marion City Hall (approx. half a mile away); Marion Military Institute Alumni Vietnam Memorial (approx. half a mile away); South College Barracks Fire of 1924 (approx. half a mile away); Siloam Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Marion Female Seminary (approx. 0.6 miles away); Marion Military Institute (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

First Congregational Church of Marion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 8, 2013

2. First Congregational Church of Marion

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 913 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2013, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.