The church has suffered significant water damage due to a leaking roof. Water intrusion has caused the plaster walls in the sanctuary to buckle and peel and the trim to rot. Damage is also evident to the flooring. The present condition of the sanctuary makes it difficult to hold services comfortably. Repairs need to be made as soon as possible to preserve the church and prevent further damage.
In 1872 A.M.E. Zion Minister Rev. John Ford, along with laymen, organized an A.M.E. Zion Church in Opelika. By 1878 the congregation of Thompson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church built this church in its current location. This one-story building is supported by wood and brick. The interior walls are plastered over original wood frame. The roof is hipped and covered with metal and trimmed in wood. The present structure has two chimneys. The main entrance faces Torbert Boulevard (now Columbus Parkway), and a second entrance faces a westerly direction. Double doors are at each entrance. Six stained-glass windows enclosed by wood sashes are on both sides of the church, and four stained glass windows are in the choir loft. The ceiling of the church consists of the original wood with heavy beams running horizontally and vertically. The wood floors are stained. A connecting parsonage was added in 1919. This one-story home is made of brick and contains six rooms, a hall, and one bathroom. Membership has been composed of outstanding men and women, including the first African American doctor in Opelika, Dr. J. W. Darden, along with Bessie Brady and Eugenia Parks, who established kindergarten classes for African American students. From 1964 to 2014, Dr. A. L. Wilson led the congregation, and the church experienced significant growth. Wilson immediately became involved in the community, leading the church and followers to participate in and promote the civil rights movement. The church was listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage October 19, 1979.
The church has suffered significant water damage due to a leaking roof. Water intrusion has caused the plaster walls in the sanctuary to buckle and peel and the trim to rot. Damage is also evident to the flooring. The present condition of the sanctuary makes it difficult to hold services comfortably. Repairs need to be made as soon as possible to preserve the church and prevent further damage.
2 Comments
8/18/2022 02:48:52 am
Thompson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church welcomes Christians and those who appear to link to Christianity in the Opelika area. We target to make contact with and motivate others to join us in our profound Christian journey. We are an affectionate Christian community where we accept others to join us in our reverence and service to God. Our vision is to make an influence for God, here in Opelika, Alabama by assisting people to perceive the enhancing messages of everlasting hope offered to us by Jesus Christ through His words and works. The vision of Thompson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church is to make an influence for God, here in Opelika, Alabama by assisting people to apprehend the boosting messages of permanent hope offered to us by Jesus Christ through His words and works. Come just as you are - we'd love to get to know you more exceptionally.
Reply
Overseer Apostle Bishop Dr JESUS Disciples Dr Jennifer Bandy Vaughn
3/20/2023 02:26:25 am
God Bless You Woman Of God 🙏
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
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
|