THE AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
In Talladega county, has a rather peculiar history. The lot was donated in 1849, it appears, by a Mr. William Jenkins, a wealthy slave owner, who lived about eight miles south of the town of Talladega. It is said that in addition to the gift of land and building, he paid a man to teach the catechism to the colored children, and paid annually $150 toward the salary of a minister for the colored people who worshiped with this church. Samuel Jenkins, a slave from South Carolina, was one of their first deacons.
Rev. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., President Penny Savings and Loan Co., President Alabama Publishing Co., Birmingham, Ala.
Pastors.—It appears that the following brethren served the church at different times in the capacity of pastor: Revs. D. Reynolds, S. Boils, D. Peeples, W. H. McAlpine, Phil. Davis, A. Lawler, and Jordan Chapman.
The origin of this church is full of suggestion. It shows that in spite of the brutalizing influences of the horrible institution of slavery, humanity and Christianity in the master often triumphed in deeds of love and mercy in behalf of the helpless slave. The memory of such men as Mr. Jenkins inscribed upon such times will be fragrant forever. The plantation to which the above named lot belonged has changed hands several times, but this lot is fixed on the records as the property of the African Church.
Honorable mention is made of Rev. Chesley Johnson and Joe Walker. The latter, it is said, was allowed to give Bible lessons on his master’s plantation. The manliness which characterizes Mr. Henry Barclay (Mr. Walker’s son) and other descendants, marks Mr. Walker’s rare talent.