IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2021 – A historic marker was unveiled today in the Twickenham Square district that recognizes and honors Phillips CME Church – Huntsville’s second oldest African-American congregation.
The marker is located at 200 Davis Circle, in front of Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Twickenham Branch. It was presented to the church and community by the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society and Redstone Federal Credit Union.
“For over 150 years, its members have been sharing the gospel, serving this community, and the world through its missions’ work,’’ said Joe Newberry, Redstone’s President and CEO.
“Our building sits on the site once occupied by this great church and we are continuing in their tradition of service,’’ Newberry said.
When the congregation decided to relocate to Winchester Road, it sought a buyer for its property and chose Redstone. In 2018, Redstone broke ground on its newly constructed branch.
The Rev. Gregory Scott, Pastor of Phillips CME Church, said the moment’s importance cannot be overstated.
“A church organized by recently enslaved Africans amid the aftermath of the American Civil War and Reconstruction has remained steadfast for 156 years. The heritage and legacy of Phillips CME Church speaks to generations yet to be born about how people who were limited educationally, economically, and socially were able to overcome and endure by believing in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God,’’ Scott said. This church is poised for the future as it imagines new possibilities, he added.
The marker is available for public viewing at any time.