African Churches
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Chadwick's History of Shelby Co., Ind. 162
AFRICAN CHURCHES
The colored people of Shelbyville and vicinity enjoyed but few religious privileges before 1872. The few representatives of this race who found their way here at the close of the Civil war which had set them free were indeed ill prepared to pay a minister or support a church organization. All efforts to organize a Methodist Episcopal class for these people failed until the com-
Chadwick's History of Shelby Co., Ind. 163
ing of Robert Watkins, to whom must be given the credit of founding the African Methodist church of Shelbyville. The first meeting was held at Mr. Watkins' own house and the only resident member of the church was Frank Allen. An organization was perfected in the autumn of 1872 and after holding meetings in various places, Wise's hall was leased and used as a place for worship until the church building was completed. This was a frame structure, erected at a cost of about two hundred and fifty dollars, which amount was largely contributed by the white people of the town. This church was within Lexington conference and among the early-day pastors may be mentioned the names of
Revs. Daniel Tucker,
Straws,
James Molan,
George Zeigler,
Daniel Heston,
Reverend Steen and
C. Nickols.
In the year 1887 this church had a membership of forty-eight and much interest was manifested in the work of the society. At the present date -- 1909 -- the old church edifice still serves the congregation which now has a membership of fifty-one. It is the only colored Methodist church within Shelby county.
[This concludes Chapter XI -
Church History. Chadwick now turns to the history of
Freemasonry-pmf]
Submitted by Marita Bolson
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