Th ough the church is still active and meets in the original building, Epsibeth has been damaged due to vandalism and deferred maintenance. Vandals kicked in and compromised the doors in 2019, and it will take replacement doors to secure the church properly. The weather has also taken a toll on the church. The foundation has shifted, causing cracks in the walls, and the ceilings show a tremendous amount of damage near the restrooms and kitchen due to a faulty roof. The congregation completed a partial repair of the roof, but more work is needed. The church faces tremendous expenses to make these repairs. The congregation hopes that listing in Places in Peril will bring awareness to this historic church.
William Farrington Aldrich, owner of the Montevallo Coal Mining Company, established Epsibeth Missionary Baptist Church for the African American community in 1873. Th e church also served as an early school for African American children. Despite the Montevallo Coal Mine Company closing in 1942, the congregation of Epsibeth stayed and continued to worship in the building. Located near Montevallo close to the entrance to the mines, the Aldrich Company Store, and Farrington Hall, this church site served as the center of Aldrich’s African American community. With its use as a church, school, and community gathering place, the preservation of this building is key to understanding the African American experience in Aldrich. Only seven pastors have led the Epsibeth congregation since its inception. Th e current pastor, Lorenza Mitchell, has been at Epsibeth for over forty years. Th e congregation has made many improvements over the years, including adding a fellowship hall and installing central air and indoor restrooms.
Th ough the church is still active and meets in the original building, Epsibeth has been damaged due to vandalism and deferred maintenance. Vandals kicked in and compromised the doors in 2019, and it will take replacement doors to secure the church properly. The weather has also taken a toll on the church. The foundation has shifted, causing cracks in the walls, and the ceilings show a tremendous amount of damage near the restrooms and kitchen due to a faulty roof. The congregation completed a partial repair of the roof, but more work is needed. The church faces tremendous expenses to make these repairs. The congregation hopes that listing in Places in Peril will bring awareness to this historic church.
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Alabama's Endangered Historic LandmarksEach year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate. Archives
May 2023
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