COPPER SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

Having been organized in 1873, Copper Springs Baptist Church is the oldest black church in the Branchville-Odenville area. The original building was of logs and served as both church and school. The name of the first pastor is not known today; however, the first board of deacons consisted of Richard Turnbaugh, Joe Vandegrift, Hosie Thomas, and Edd Turnbaugh. Edd Turnbaugh was also the first Sunday School superintendent.

Early workers in the missionary program of the church were Mrs. Cloria Forman, Sister Lettie Jones, Sister Ella Lankston, Sister Laura Moore, Sister Maggie Russell, and Sister Ellen Turnbaugh. The first Mount Pilgrim Missionary Meeting was held at Copper Springs Church in 1879. Mount Pilgrim is a Baptist Missionary Society for the state of Alabama.

The church's first deed was made June 17, 1893, and recorded September 11, 1902. Known as "Chepros Springs," this half-acre of land was purchased for a church and school for $5.00, from Charles Ash and wife, Sara. The second deed for another half-acre bought from Mrs. Dora Green for $50.00 is dated September 15, 1962. The deacons named on this deed are Pervie Rosebud, Willie Garrett, and William Ragland. This deed was witnessed by Justice of the Peace J. H. Dean.

The cornerstone for a new sanctuary was laid December, 1977, by Council Lodge #778 and Margaret Lodge #432. Bishop John Cottingham, pastor of Clark Temple Holiness Church, Birmingham, brought the message that December Sunday. The present fellowship hall was constructed in August, 1982, by William Ragland, Morris Vandegrift, and Willie Mabry.

One cannot just mention the name Willie Mabry and move on; he deserves a comment. For forty-four years Willie Mabry was custodian of St. Clair County High School in Odenville where he was affectionately known as "Shorty." He loved the school and "his" students and faculty, and they loved him in return. One of the early yearbooks, 1948, had this under his picture: "He slipped us candy and then hid us. The best janitor in the world." Of course every one who knew him knows that the word "janitor" as used here includes philosopher, and many could add, "He gave us good advice."

The school that met in the log building was operated by the first three black families in this area: Forman, Turnbaugh, and Vandegrift. Past teachers at the school have been Mrs. Mary Forman, Professor Hawkins, Miss Willie McCrary, Miss Nellie BeKneise, Miss Marie Cook, Mrs. Christeen B. Head, Mrs. Louise Thomas, Miss Catherine Gipson, Miss Jeanette Crim, Miss Eddie L. Turnbaugh, Miss Pinkie M. Byers, and Mrs. Mary Teacher.

For the 1985 anniversary booklet compiled by William Ragland, Rev. Luther Williams wrote of the church: "Copper Springs is like every other church, having its good days and bad days. But thanks be to God, we will press on so we can see God's face. Copper Springs is a strong church that will not sell out. It is not bad to fall down, but to lie there is a disgrace."

So, as it has done for over a hundred years, this church continues to be an active force and spiritual lighthouse in the communities it serves.

[Information supplied by William Ragland]


BAKER ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Prior to 1948, black families of the Baptist denomination in lower Shoal Creek Valley met at Hardrick School, which was located on what is now Pleasant Valley Road in Odenville.

In the late 1940s the congregation decided to erect a church building. Walter Baker took upon himself the task of raising funds for construction. Many folk gave donations, some of which were sacrificial gifts to God's work in the community. Corene Burr, granddaughter of Walter Baker, donated an acre of land for the sanctuary, which was built around 1948. The members gave it the name Baker Zion. Baker for Walter Baker who had worked so diligently for the building project and Zion from the Bible where the name is used both for the city of Jerusalem and for the City of God, Heaven.

The early members were Bakers: Walter Baker, Cason Baker, Mary Baker, Ruby Baker and Corene Burr.

The first funeral at this church was that of Ruby Baker in 1950. She is buried at Friendship Cemetery, a community cemetery for both blacks and whites.

Rev. Jesse McGee, from Gadsden, was the first minister of Baker Zion Baptist, and in the 43 years of its existence there have been only two other ministers, Rev. J. H. Bell being the second and Rev. C. L. Garrett the third and present minister who has pastored there for over twenty-five years.

Services have always been held two Sundays a month. Sunday School is held only on meeting Sundays with the pastor teaching the class. The congregation today is small, as is the case for most small churches throughout the land. However, it is a comfort to these people that Christ told us "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." So Baker Zion Baptist Church is a continuing light for the Gospel of Christ in the community today.

[Information furnished by Elta Mae Byers; interviewed 1991.]


NEW HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Today no one knows just when this congregation of black Methodists organized and built a church on Herring Mountain. Members reached the church by a road east of Pauline Forman Self's home, off what is now Highway 411. We do know that Louis Hammonds deeded to the church three acres of land there on the mountain, and although the building has been moved from that location, the church still owns these original three acres.

Long-time members also know that in 1905 the church building on Herring Mountain was taken down and rebuilt in Shoal Creek Valley on what is today Pleasant Valley Road. the reason for moving the church has been lost with the passing of those who were members then. The 1905 building is still used for worship today.

Some of the early members of New Hope were these men and women: Bud Byers, Sam Mize, Walt Oden, Rollie Forman, Paint Byers, Grandpa Louis Hammonds, Uncle Taul Looney, Addie Oden, Beatrice Baker, Janie Burr, Tippie Herring, Jugie Byers and Sarah Forman.
Although he was not an ordained minister, Louis Hammonds preached on occasion at the church. Rev. Albert Looney was one of the regular ministers of the church. Their present pastor is Rev. Jesse Maxwell from Gadsden.

In the old days, preaching services were held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month; today preaching is on the first and third Sundays. At one time Sunday School was held every Sunday; however, today it is held only on preaching Sundays. Although the size of the congregation has dwindled, there are those faithful ones who meet for worship there in the old church every preaching Sunday.

New Hope has special services and events through the year as needed. Recently when a woman's house burned, the church had a day for raising money for her needs. Youth Sundays, Pastor Appreciation, and Homecoming are especially looked forward to by the members. At the last homecoming Rev. Moses Bean was the featured speaker, with Brother William Ragland bringing the meditation. That Sunday the church had visitors from California and Michigan at the services.

Just as with Baker Zion Baptist, there is no cemetery at New Hope United Methodist. Friendship is the only cemetery ever used by this community.

Sadly, the old members are dead who knew the earliest history of the church. For a homecoming some years ago, around 1983 or so, Mrs. Tippie Herring Moore wrote a history of the church; however, only one copy was made to be read at the service, and it is not known whether or not the copy exists somewhere today.

[Information provided by Corene B. Herring: interviewed 1991.]