Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Old Elam Baptist Church
Although most of its early members were white, several enslaved persons also worshiped here. Caesar Blackwell (1769-1845), a renowned African American preacher and a slave who was owned by the Association, gave some of his earliest sermons at Old Elam. In 1865, the white congregation departed, giving the church and deed for the surrounding land to its black members.
A tornado destroyed the church in 1947. A new facility was constructed on the same site three years later. In 1977, following an extensive remodeling, the church began offering regular weekly services. A new sanctuary was built in 1997.
The church cemetery dates to 1820 and is listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register. Many ministers and missionaries have been sent from Old Elam, "the beacon on the hill," to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Erected 2016 by the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1819.
Location. 32° 25.01′ N, 86° 13.995′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Cong W L Dickinson Drive (County Road 21) north of Gunter Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2526 Cong W L Dickinson Drive, Montgomery AL 36109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Elam Baptist Church Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gunter Annex / Gunter Basic Flying Training School (approx. ¾ mile away); Union Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (approx. one mile away); Madison Park School (approx. 1.2 miles away); Khobar Towers (approx. 1.3 miles away); Corporal Vernon L. Burge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Operation Allied Force (approx. 1.3 miles away); Combat Skyspot (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.