Huntsville’s Oldest Black Church, St. Bartley’s, Celebrates 206 Years

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — St. Bartley’s Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, is celebrating February 22nd as it marks 206 years of continuous service as the city’s oldest African American congregation. The church’s history is deeply interwoven with the story of Huntsville and the broader struggle for freedom and faith within the African American community.

Founded in 1820, St. Bartley’s began not within the walls of a building, but in a graveyard used as a burial ground for enslaved people. The congregation was initially organized by Elder William Harris during a period when African Americans were denied basic rights, including the freedom to worship openly. This humble beginning speaks to the resilience and unwavering faith of those who established the church, according to current Senior Pastor Jaymes Mooney.

“When you think about slaves starting a church in a graveyard, what type of hope, what type of resilience, what type of heart that they have and passion for their community?” Pastor Mooney asked, reflecting on the origins of the congregation. “That question captures part of St. Bartley’s legacy.”

Following the Civil War, Elder Bartley Harris became the second pastor, and the church was subsequently named in his honor. Under his leadership, St. Bartley’s continued to grow in influence and impact, extending its reach beyond traditional Sunday services. Elder Harris became a local legend, particularly known for conducting mass baptisms in what is now Big Spring Park.

“When you think about the big baptisms, over 3,000 people that Bartley Harris, who’s a Huntsville legend, who’s in many museums around town, that he baptized over 3,000 people where Big Spring Park now sits. It really speaks about God’s hand on this community,” Mooney explained. He noted that Harris was known to baptize as many as 300 people in a single day.

The church’s two-century history has been guided by nine pastors, each contributing to its enduring legacy. Pastor Mooney, who has led St. Bartley’s for nine years, expressed his sense of responsibility in carrying forward the traditions and values established by those who came before him. “It’s an honor to carry the weight and pride of the generations before me,” he said.

St. Bartley’s has consistently served as a cornerstone of the Huntsville community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also a vital space for social connection, and support. The church’s impact extends beyond its religious functions, playing a role in the city’s cultural and historical narrative.

The upcoming celebration on February 22nd will feature a program where children of the church will share stories of African Americans – past, present, and future – highlighting the importance of remembering the congregation’s journey and its continuing relevance. Pastor Mooney emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing the church’s history.

“I just say it’s more important than ever to continue to tell our story. If we don’t know where we’ve been, we won’t know where we’re going,” Mooney stated. The event is intended to be a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to its community and its faith.

The story of St. Bartley’s Primitive Baptist Church is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the face of adversity. From its origins in a slave graveyard to its current status as a respected institution, the church’s history reflects the broader struggles and triumphs of African Americans in Alabama and the United States. Its continued presence serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past while looking towards the future.