By Aroush Maroof

On Oct. 20, officials from the City of Montevallo met at three significant historical sites, to unveil markers placed as a part of the Montevallo African American Heritage Trail.  

These markers were created in hopes of highlighting Montevallo’s often ignored and forgotten African American heritage to the forefront of the city’s history.  

The markers and ceremonies were the result of collaboration between the Montevallo Legacy Project, the Black Heritage Council of the Alabama Historical Commission and the Montevallo Historic Preservation Commission. 

Each marker highlighted a significant religious or communal establishment for Montevallo’s African American community.  

The first marker sits at Ward Chapel AME Church, where the ceremony opened with speeches from church-members such as Rev. Alfonzo Colvin, the Ward Chapel Mass Choir and Rev. Kenneth Dukes. Montevallo Major Rusty Nix also spoke at the event.  

The church was established in 1872, and has continually served as a cornerstone for the community since its founding.  

The next two locations were The Mason Hall and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.  

According to the Legacy Project, Mason Hall was first chartered as a Masonic Lodge sometime between 1920 and 1923. It served as a shared center for the community, and even substituted as a school building while Prentice High School was being built.  

Shiloh Baptist Church was recognized for its significance to the community and the role it played during the Civil Rights Movement. The church was a rest stop for many passing through Montevallo during the legendary Selma to Montgomery march, as well as a regular meeting place for local boycott and protest organizers. 

These three markers are the first of 14 planned historical recognition projects for Montevallo.   

More information on the Montevallo Legacy Project’s work bringing forgotten histories to light, can be found on their website, https://themontevallolegacyproject.com/.