Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church facts for kids
Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church is a very old church in Huntsville, Alabama. A famous minister named Bartley Harris (who lived from 1800 to 1896) led this church. He was known for two main things: first, he bravely kept secret where he hid valuable items for his neighbors during a war. Second, he performed many baptisms in a place called "Big Spring."
The Church's Journey
Early Days
The church community started many years before the American Civil War. At first, they held their services in different places. One of these places was a graveyard for enslaved African Americans. A man named William Harris, who was enslaved, led the group. Today, this original spot is part of a parking lot for Huntsville Hospital.
Building and Rebuilding
Eventually, a church building was constructed. However, this church was burned down. People say it happened after Bartley Harris refused to tell soldiers from the Union Army where he had hidden valuable items for his neighbors who supported the Confederacy. It is said that Ulysses S. Grant, who later became a famous general and president, helped Bartley Harris's church build a new building.
In 1872, the new church was finished. It was built on Oak Avenue, which was later renamed William Avenue.
Moving Forward
In 1964, Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church was taken down. This happened because of a city project to rebuild parts of the area. The church was then rebuilt in a new location on Belafonte Avenue. When they rebuilt it, they saved some important parts from the old church, like part of the altar and some beautiful stained glass windows.
Lasting Impact
A special historical marker stands today to remember the church's history. It is located at the site where the church stood from 1872 to 1964. In 2020, the church community celebrated its 200th anniversary, which is called a bicentennial.
