Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

(Organized 1879 from earlier 1840 Congregation)

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, June 28, 2009

1. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. In early 1840s about 14 African-American members from First Methodist formed own congregation “Church Springs” near South Court Street. In 1857, a nearby brick cow shed was converted for its use under Rev. Robin Lightfoot who became a martyr during the Civil War. Site of American Missionary School after Emancipation. Organized as St. Paul AME in 1879. Relocated to Court and Alabama Streets in 1895. Charles B. Handy was early pastor and William W. Handy was early leader (father and grandfather to W.C. Handy.) St. Paul relocated again in 1968 to present site.

Erected by Erected By Florence Historical Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 34° 47.821′ N, 87° 40.994′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It is at the intersection of Burrell Street and White Street on Burrell Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

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 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: Burrell Normal School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Christopher Handy

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(about 700 feet away); W. C. Handy Birthplace (about 700 feet away); Locust Street Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rosenbaum House Museum (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. James Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Birthplace of W.C. Handy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dred Scott (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, May 15, 2010

2. St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, May 15, 2010

3. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 27, 2009

4. St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,538 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on June 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4. submitted on September 2, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.