Background

Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church: A Beacon of History

Discover a landmark of faith and civil rights history at Montgomery's Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church, a testament to community resilience and heritage.

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Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church, Montgomery's oldest Black church, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1852. It's not only a place of worship but also a site of significant historical events, including civil rights meetings and pivotal decisions regarding education for Black Alabamians.

A brief summary to Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church

Local tips

  • Check the church's website or call ahead for service times and special events.
  • Tours are available by appointment only; contact the church to schedule a visit.
  • Consider exploring other nearby historical sites related to the Civil Rights Movement.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rosa Parks Museum in downtown Montgomery, head east on Montgomery St toward N Court St. Turn left onto N Court St, then turn right onto Washington Ave. Continue onto Holcombe St, and the church will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The M Transit, Montgomery's public transportation system, offers several routes that stop near Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church. Use the online trip planner or app to find the most efficient route from your location. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A ride from downtown Montgomery to Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on demand.

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Discover more about Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church

Established in 1852, the Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church stands as the oldest African American church congregation in Montgomery, Alabama. Its origins trace back to the Court Street Methodist Church, which gifted its 1835 wood frame building to its Black members. This act of generosity led to the relocation of the structure to its current site on Holcombe Street, a move overseen by freedman Thomas Wilson and assisted by other resourceful Black individuals. Local lore suggests the name 'Old Ship of Zion' came from a laborer's remark during the move. Initially served by white ministers, leadership transitioned to Rev. Allen Hannon in 1862, marking the beginning of Black pastoral leadership. The church building itself has undergone transformations, with remodeling in 1888 and a reconstruction in the Classical Revival style between 1918-1920. Designed by Jim Alexander, the current building is the fourth erected by the congregation at this location. Old Ship has played a pivotal role in the history of Black education in Alabama. It was the site of the meeting in 1887 where the decision was made to move the State Normal School (now Alabama State University) from Marion to Montgomery, and it also hosted the school's first graduation exercises. Throughout its history, the church has welcomed prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and President William McKinley to its pulpit. During the Civil Rights Movement, Old Ship served as a meeting place for important organizational gatherings. The church's significance has been recognized with its listing on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1976 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

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