Bethlehem United Methodist Church: Difference between revisions
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The '''Bethlehem Methodist Church''' on [[Warrior River Road]] in [[Hueytown]] is the oldest methodist church in [[Alabama]]. It was founded in the then Alabama territory in [[1818]] by missionaries from Tennessee. It first met in a one-room log cabin donated by [[James Tarrant]] and built by slaves. One belonging to Tarrant, named Adam, hewed the logs by hand. | The '''Bethlehem Methodist Church of Dolomite''' on [[Warrior River Road]] in [[Hueytown]] is the oldest methodist church in [[Alabama]]. It was founded in the then Alabama territory in [[1818]] by missionaries from Tennessee. It first met in a one-room log cabin donated by [[James Tarrant]] and built by slaves. One belonging to Tarrant, named Adam, hewed the logs by hand. | ||
The logs were re-used in the floor structure when the church building was rebuilt in [[1890]]. The building was raised eight feet in [[1954]] when Warrior River Road was widened to four lanes. | The logs were re-used in the floor structure when the church building was rebuilt in [[1890]]. The building was raised eight feet in [[1954]] when Warrior River Road was widened to four lanes. | ||
Revision as of 22:29, 6 January 2007
The Bethlehem Methodist Church of Dolomite on Warrior River Road in Hueytown is the oldest methodist church in Alabama. It was founded in the then Alabama territory in 1818 by missionaries from Tennessee. It first met in a one-room log cabin donated by James Tarrant and built by slaves. One belonging to Tarrant, named Adam, hewed the logs by hand.
The logs were re-used in the floor structure when the church building was rebuilt in 1890. The building was raised eight feet in 1954 when Warrior River Road was widened to four lanes.
The church maintains a pair of cemetaries - one alongside the church and one across the road. Notable burials include Mortimer Jordan and Moses Fields.
In 1993 the membership was dwindling, but the church was able to absorb congregations from three other declining churches, Cottage Hill Methodist Church, Midfield Methodist Church, and Forest Hills Methodist Church. The current enrollment stands just over 150, with about one third of those attending on any given Sunday. The pastor is Ivan Trusler III.
After many years in unincorporated Jefferson County, the church was annexed into Hueytown in 2006.
References
- Plott, Bill (November 8, 2006) "Oldest church moving from county to city." Birmingham News.