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

Church Spring and School

(Circa 1840-1895)

By Sandra Hughes, April 13, 2011

1. Church Spring and School Marker

Inscription. About 1849, African-Americans began holding religious services in a brick cow shed overlooking the town spring near the site. It was purchased in 1857 by the local Methodists for this congregation, with Robin Lightfoot, a slave as its pastor. In 1879, it was organized as St. Paul's African-American Methodist Episcopal Church. Children of slaves and freemen were taught here in early years. In 1866, the Freedmen's Bureau established a school for the children of African-Americans, probably at this location.

Erected by Florence Historical Board Florence Alabama.

Location. 34° 47.735′ N, 87° 40.439′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker is at the intersection of W. Spring Street and S. Pine Street on W. Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969/Sticky Fingers Ranks Among Greatest Albums (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John McKinley Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court (about 500 feet away); The American Legion (about 800 feet away); Lauderdale County

By Sandra Hughes, April 13, 2011

2. Church Spring and School Marker

Backside facing Pine St.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. Hicks Boulevard (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Mark Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Florence Little League Baseball (1951) (approx. 0.3 miles away); Founding of Florence (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Categories. • African Americans •

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 8, 2011, by Sandra Hughes of Killen, Usa. This page has been viewed 646 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2011, by Sandra Hughes of Killen, Usa. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.