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The origin of the Methodist church in Dale County is a shining example of the powering spirit of the slaves of the 1800's whose rugged determination, unwavering loyalty and their trust in God helped to build and sustain Methodism in the community. Most of the slaves were very religious, and they were glad to attend church services. At that time there were no separate black churches or ordained black preachers in Dale County. They worshipped in the churches of the white people. When no section was built especially for them, they occupied the "amen" corner or the balcony. Arailing usually divided their section from the rest of the church. Slaves were baptized by the white ministers into membership of the various churches. Usually the slaves attended and joined their master's church. Among both races the men sat apart from the women in the churches. The unordained preachers or religious leaders among the slaves were often called "exhorters" and "Pot-liquor preachers." These leaders frequently held meetings for their own race. The marriage ceremonies of the Blacks were sometimes performed by the white pastors, but when not convenient, this was done by the master. At that time, a state law gave masters this authority. The white families took great interest in the weddings of the blacks and did all they could to make them gala occasions. They helped the bride make pretty dresses, and usually furnished bountiful refreshments for the wedding supper which was served to the many black guests. These weddings were always enjoyed by both blacks and whites. The strict Methodist and Baptist churches of that day forbade dancing. They did not think it proper and the parents did not allow it. While the whites opposed dancing amongst themselves, they did not prohibit the blacks from dancing. Some of the slaves who were church members did not allow their daughters to dance, but their masters allowed them to use their own discretion about it. The slaves sang a great deal in their churches, at home, and in the fields. They seldom sang the war songs of their own composition. They liked such songs as "You Ask What Makes This Darky Weep," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," and "Al God's Children Got Shoes." They could be heard at al hours of the day singing loudly while at work in the fields. Sometimes it would not be a song at all, only a humming, or some kind of a yell, which was rather musical and which they called "hollering." Sometimes they sang the corn shucking songs. The women also sang while at their work, but when they were in the house, they hummed. Often at night, several of the men and women would get together and sing, and they would attract the attention of the white folks, and many would go out to listen. Besides marriage, celebrations, and corn shuckings, the slaves had parties and dances at night. They would gather at a house in the Negro quarters, or at some other place by permission, and play and dance until nearly midnight. They were always required to end these gatherings at midnight, and every black carried a written pass to show they had permission to be away from home. Methodism took a hold firm in this section. Preachers carried the gospel to the slaves and gave them the same pastors and church advantages that their masters had. Many slaves were genuine Christians. They rejoiced with their masters upon revival occasions. A Methodist church was started under a brush harbor by some of the families who had taken the names and religion of their slave owners. As it was told by our ancestors, a white minister who traveled around in the community helped organize the first church. Some of the early families in the area included the Matthews, Crittenden, Andrews, Edwards, Mezells, Ardis, Whites, Mobleys, Martins, Goffs, Chalkers, and Byrds. When the Civil War ended, the town of Westville died out. The first church in the history of St. Mark AME Zion Church was located on Campground Road in Dale County and was just known as Big Zion Methodist Church. Here many families including the Matthews, Edwards, Byrds, Ardis and Ethers followed the Methodist religion because their former masters were Methodist. Later, the church, a one room building with no glass windows, but just boards that could be pushed out to give light was built at the intersection of what is now Campground Road and Andrews Avenue. It served as a church and as a school. The older children of Rev. G. B. Matthews (including Rev. W. D. Matthews, Malcolm Matthews and Jewel Crittenden) attended school in this building. The next building was on Andrews Avenue across from where Ft. Rucker's Hooper Field si located. This was ni the late 1800's - early 1900's. The name was changed from Bgi Zion to Little Zion. The Alabama Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was organized during a dangerous time for black people in the south. By 1877, the Alabama Conference had 8,954 members and the charges were known as districts. Rev. J. W. Alstork was over the pioneers of Zion in Dale County, serving as Bishop. Little Zion at Orion, and Moore Chapel at Ramer were organized and from these churches it is believed that Little Zion was born in Dale County. Little Zion existed for many years. This was our heritage and the church served the community for many years. It was a shining symbol for families to worship together on Sunday. People walked to church if they didn't own horses and/or mules. The community was known as "The Little Zion Community." Both black and white families attended and supported the church, which also served as the community school. We are proud of our roots in the AME Zion connection. Many of us here today are descendants of those pioneers who planted their roots deep in Zion and "Kept the Faith." Legislation authorized the establishment of Ft. Rucker, AL and it was passed by Congress on January 22, 1942. The impact of the existence of Ft. Rucker in the area caused families to move as the church building was torn down. For a while members worshipped at the Ozark USO, school buildings, and with Haven Chapel Methodist Church. Some of the early officers of Little Zion were; Jim Crim, Miles Matthews, Monroe Matthews, Gideon Matthews and George Brunner. Pastors were; Glover, N.H. Holloway, J.T. McMillian, J.S. Atwater, CH.. Cherry, EJ.. Austin, GB.. Matthews and W.D. Matthews. Presiding Elders were; A.W. Willia, Riley, J.W. Hicks, W.M. Bascom, A. Newman, Thomas, W.F. Madison, R.H. Broadus, J.E. McCall and J.E. Larimore. Previous Bishops who have served this area include; J.W. Alstork, J.J. Smith, CC.. Alleyne, B.G. Shaw, James C. Taylor, William A. Steward, Alfred G. Dunston, Jr., John H. Miller, Sr., Cecil Bishop, Alfred. E. White and .F Anderson. The late Bishop James C. Taylor, Presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District of the AME Zion Church, led us to the establishment of our present site in 1952. The members, through love, loyalty, determination and prayers, worked hard to keep Zion growing in Ozark. In the words of our many laborers, it was recorded that in order to be one of God's servants, we must know who we are, how we got here and where we are going. We were determined to keep Zion alive, to preserve our heritage and move our church forward. The building we now occupy was purchased from the AME Connection (Haven Chapel AME) and renamed St. Mark AME Zion Church. Although we have made improvements to the building, it remains very much the same as when we purchased it. On October 18, 1952, St. Mark received their official charter, changing the name from Little Zion to St. Mark. The inception date on our cornerstone designates St. Mark as being one of the thriving Black churches in the community. Rev. J.E. Austin served as the first pastor. WM. . Bascom, Presiding Elder and after Bishop Taylor, W.A. Stewart was Bishop. Trustees included MM. . Mathews, W. Ruskins, J. Miles, H. Mathews, .P Kennedy, D. Bryant and B. Matthews. Other ministers who served our church were; Rev. J.H. Cherry, Rev. W.D. Matthews (served over 30 years), Rev. Leon Henderson, Rev. George J. Garrison, Dr. Althea Pierce, Rev. Randall Baldwin, Rev. Bobby McKenzie, Rev. Carl Toodle, Rev. Roosevelt Word, Rev. L.E. Cammack, Rev. Edward Norfleet, Rev. Loretta Payne, Rev. Catrina Water, Bro. Freddie Bettis, Rev. L.E. Cammack, Rev Boyd Fuller, and Rev. Michael Bush. On October 20, 2024, Rev. Antonio Carter was assigned as our esteemed pastor. Presiding Elder Fields, served as presiding elder for many years. In October 2018 Presiding Elder Kathy T. McFadden Bishop Richard K. Thompson provided leadership for this conference for 12 years. Followed by Bishop James E. McCoy, Bishop Dennis Proctor, Bishop Seth O. Lartey, and Bishop George D. Crenshaw. In July 2024 the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference assigned Bishop Dwayne A. Walker as our Presiding Prelate. Our church has always been known for it rich fellowship in the community. Our membership may be small but we are big in our faith and love for God and for each other. Our present Pastor, Presiding Elder and Bishop provide strong leadership and encouragement that help us mature as Christians and keep Zion alive. During these 62 years, several community groups (including singing groups) and organizations have used our church for programs and meetings. Mrs. Luvenia Everett operated the first licensed daycare center in our community at this church and the NAACP held meetings here. St. Mark AME Zion Church and Pleasant Grove AME Zion Church in the Johntown community, Rev. Boyd Fuller, Pastor, are the most isolated from all other AMEZ Churches in the East Montgomery District and the Central Alabama Conference. However, there is a strong bond that exists between all AME Zion churches in our conference. All the churches share, visit and support us when we call on them. We all fellowship, pray and praise God together because The Right Rev. Dennis V. Proctor, former Presiding Prelate of Alabama-Florida Episcopal District, encourages us to do so. Our dedication program was held April 6, 2008 after our church was remodeled. The Right Rev. James E. McCoy, Presiding Prelate of Alabama-Florida Episcopal District, delivered the message and also presided over the rededication. In 2021-2022, St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church received money from former members to re-model their fellowship hall (new floor, new tables, chairs, windows, and painting of the walls). This improvement has answered our prayers. We pray that we will continue to mature as Christians, grow our membership, and serve God and our Community. As we look back over the history of S.t Mark Church we can truly say, "Thank you, Lord, you brought us from A' MightyLongWay.' |
St. Mark AME Zion Church
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