Butler Chapel historical marker dedication
BY CAROLYN GRIFFIN
The Greenville Standard
The melodious sounds of the Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church choir filled the air as the Dedication Ceremony of the Alabama Historical Commission Marker, recognizing the founding of the 156-year-old historical church, commenced.
“We’ve Come This Far By Faith,” written by Albert A. Goodson, approximately 90 years after the church was founded in 1867, was most appropriate for the history making occasion. The warm and beautiful Sunday afternoon was perfect for the outdoor event.
Leaders of Alabama-Florida Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, county and city officials, local clergy, past and present members of Butler Chapel, and family and friends filled the front lawn of the church to witness the unveiling of the historical marker.
The invocation was given by Presiding Elder Dr. Mark Hawkins, followed by a gracious welcome from the church’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Michael Evans. Special guests were recognized by Mershell Campbell.
A proclamation from the Office of the Mayor was presented by Eddie Cook, Director of Public Affairs, for the City of Greenville.
Oct. 13, 2024, was officially proclaimed as “Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church Day,” by Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon and the Greenville City Council. A resolution from Butler County was read and presented by Allin Whittle, County Commissioner of District 4. The marker was then unveiled by long-time member, Jim Crittenden, and Master Julian Thompson.
Roslyn Cook-Deyampert, youngest daughter of the late Rev. Dr. James E. Cook shared comments that brought smiles and fond memories to many that were in attendance. The marker was then dedicated by Presiding Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dwayne Anthony Walker.
He also offered the Prayer of Dedication. Diaon Cook, the eldest daughter, who served as committee chairperson for this historic event, shared memories, and offered her gratitude to all who assisted in making the event possible.
She thanked everyone in attendance. Celebratory gift bags were presented to attendees. Final remarks were given by Pastor Evans.
Everyone is encouraged to stop by the church, located at 401 Oglesby Street, to see and read the marker and to share the history of this great church, and its impact on our community.
One very historical note is that the church was founded about four years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Diaon Cook emphasized the importance of sharing history with our youth. The marker shows the State of Alabama and the continent of Africa. The “Historic Inscription” is listed below.
BUTLER CHAPEL A.M.E. Zion Church Butler County
Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in 1867 as an affiliate of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The church is named for the first pastor, Rev. Lewis Butler, who donated the land where the church now stands. The earliest organized religious and social institution fully controlled by African Americans in Greenville, Butler Chapel is also the oldest known independent Black congregation in Greenville. The church’s wide-ranging influence in the community is most evident in the establishment of Butler County’s earliest known high school for African Americans, Lomax – Hannon, established in 1893. The original church building provided classroom space for the high school from its inception in 1893 until 1898 when the property for the high school was purchased. The current church building was constructed in 1913, after a 1911 fire destroyed the original 1867 building. Forty-two outstanding pastors have served Butler Chapel over its 156 – year history. Rev. Dr. James E. Cook, a local civil rights and community activist, had the longest tenure, serving the church for forty years from 1961 to 2001.
LISTED IN THE ALABAMA REGISTER OF LANDMARKS AND HERITAGE ON JANUARY 31, 1979 AND THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1986 MARKER ERECTED IN 2024 BY BUTLER CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
