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.
[Illustration: 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.