The Historic Joyce Chapel, circa 1876, The Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center Has a Home, History of Joyce Chapel Revealed

Members of the Scottsboro/Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation participate in the ceremonial delivery of check and deed for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center at 4:55 PM April 15, 2010.

Members and friend of the foundation stand on the stage of Joyce Chapel while Rev. Tom Bell makes presentation.

Ms. Washington and Rev. Bell discuss the ceremony concerning transference of the deed of Joyce Chapel.

Rev. R.L Shanklyn, Huntsville, Al., past President of the Alabama NAACP discusses this historic event.

Rev. Cliff Parrish delivers remarks and prayer.

Once again lovely voices grace the historic Joyce Chapel.

Rev. Gary Speers delivered the opening prayer.

Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter discussed this historic occasion and its meaning for Scottsboro.

Wal-Mart donated flowers for this event.

38 citizens attended the ceremony at Joyce Chapel today.

Joyce Chapel Home-Coming September 1948. Faces of our African American Community. Below you will find closeups of the many people who graced Joyce Chapel during the 1948 Home-Coming event.

Historic faces of Joyce Chapel during the 1948 home-coming.

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center as it appears today in the historic Joyce Chapel.

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The Scottsboro/Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center purchased the historic Joyce Chapel, founded 1876, rebuilt 1904, in Scottsboro, Alabama at 4:55PM on April 15, 2010, just 5 minutes before a deadline set by the area Methodist Superintendent.

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The historic African American Church was purchased from the North Alabama Conference, Northeast District of the United Methodist Church for $75,000. The Northeast Alabama Methodist Superintendent, Rev. Tom Bell, had given the Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation's leadership a deadline of 5:00PM Thursday to purchase the property or it would be sold to a "business investor" after 5:00PM on April 15th, according to Rev. Bell.

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"It is an exciting and historic day," commented Ms. Sheila Washington, Foundation President. Ms. Washington witnessed her 17 year dream come true today at the historic ceremony. Ms Washington stated she had been pondering the possibilities of a Scottsboro Boys Museum for the past 17 years.

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Ms. Washington along with Foundation Board Members Rev. Gary Speers, Mrs. Kim Spears, Mrs. Louise Toliver, Mr. Charles Elliot and Rev. Cliff Parrish participated in the ceremonial check and deed signing with Rev. Tom Bell, Northeast Alabama District Superintendent, United Methodist Church.

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The Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation received $37,500 from the Jackson County Legislative Delegation and $37,500 from an anonymous North Alabama donor via Calvert Foundation's Giving Fund. http://www.calvertgiving.org/

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The anonymous North Alabama donor made the donation in behalf of Judge Samuel Liebowitz who was the "Sottsboro Boys" attorney begining with the Morgan County Alabama trials at Decatur. Judge Liebowitz became a Kings County, Brooklyn, New York Judge in 1940's post World War 2 and a New York State Supreme Court Justice in 1962. A change of venue resulted in the trials being moved from Scottsboro, Jackson County Circuit Court to Decatur, Morgan County Circuit Court.

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Joyce Chapel's historic record was presented along with the Warranty Deed during the ceremony. Several remodeling projects have taken place during the church's 134 year history.

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It is interesting to note the Joyce Chapel congregation had taken out several mortgages on the property during the church's history for the purpose of remodeling the church. All mortgages were paid and the property was owned without encumbrances by the Trustees of Joyce Chapel. The last being paid for in the year 2000.

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In Jan of 2009 Ms. Mary Abernathy, Administrative Chairperson, Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church wrote a letter to Rev. D. Tom Bell, Jr., District Superintendent, stating a person from the Seventh Day Adventist Church had approached her concerning buying the property. She referred the inquiry to Rev. Bell since we are an "area connected church." Ms Abernathy goes on to say in her letter that "we had our last service on Sunday, Jan 11, 2009."

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Ms. Abernathy's closing remarks in the letter were as follows. " I want you to know that Jan. 11, 2009 was a sad day for me because I grew up in this church. But I know changes will take place and with God's help and guidance, I will find another church home

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The following is the exact history as recorded within the historical documents presented to the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center.

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"History of Joyce Chapel, United Methodist Church, Scottsboro, Alabama"

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"Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church was organized in 1876 by Rev. J. Willis with approximately 56 members A building was erected on land donated by Wiley Whitfield, a black landowner."

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"At its founding the church was named Joyce Chapel M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church and all of the governing bodies were black."

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"Our Church as well as other black churches was seperate from the white churches. However, in 1968, all the Methodist Churches were merged and the term "united" was incorporated. As a result the name was changed to Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church. We now have the same district superintendent governing all churches of this district, and one (1) annual conference. Today we have a few integrated congregations."

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"Years ago all of the black churches in Scottsboro worshipped together, each having its designated Sunday and everyone supported that church regardless of affiliation. Joyce Chapel used the 4th Sunday and everyone came to the "pike" as it was commonly known."

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"Joyce Chapel was always on a circuit with the black churches in Stevenson and Cedar Grove. One minister served the three churches, alternating Sundays. It was not until 1997 that this practice was discontinued."

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"The church had never had a large membership and it has steadily declined. Currently Joyce Chapel has 11 members on roll of which 5 are active."

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"The present building was erected in 1947 under the leadership of Rev. Jesse Culpeper. There are presently two landmarks from the old building-steps and a well, and the first piano is still housed in the building. The present structure was remodeled in 1984, adding brick veneer, stained windows, new carpet, and other items to beautify the church. It is soundly built with a main sanctuary an adjoining room for miscellaneous uses, pastors study, choir room, kitchen and restrooms. The ceilings are wooden and walls are plastered, finished by John Sanford and son, Ben."

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"The following pastors have served Joyce Chapel: Rev. J. Willis, Callahan; Pollard; L. Langford, Slaughter, Howell, Nolan, Porter, C. Langford, Joiner, Jordan, Bell, C. Jones, Ayers, Abernathy, Dobbins, Buckley, K. Jones, C. Dobbins (Rev. Dobbins was the first full time pastor.)"

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There was no author listed on this history. However, since Ms. Mary E. Abernathy was the last officer of Joyce Chapel, the above history is attributed to Ms. Abernathy as the Administrative Chairperson, Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church.

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There are two pastors which must be noted as additions to the history. 1) Rev. A.L. Boyd, 1904, M.E; source, Joyce Chapel Cornerstone dated 1904. 2) Rev. Diane Williams, last pastor of Joyce Chapel; source, sign in front of church.

The Daily Sentinel Story link by Dewayne Patterson of the event. http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=fd2f1b8f27a79d4e

Left in Alabama's coverage of the event. http://www.leftinalabama.com/diary/6122/#50683

Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center to be Purchased

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center has received a final contribution from an internationally recognized foundation to purchase the Joyce Chapel property from the The North Alabama United Methodist Association.

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A ceremony will take place at The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, Joyce Chapel, 428 West Willow St., Scottsboro, Alabama on Thursday April 15, 2010 at 4PM. All are welcome to attend this historical event.

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UPDATE: Article from Scottsboro's The Daily Sentinel- http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=58d862331b1fbfa7

Presentation at Historic Joyce Chapel, Researching African American Genealogy

Ms. Franzine Taylor gives an excellent presentation on researching African American genealogy. After the presentation Ms. Taylor offered her books for sale, graciously signing each book.

Ms. Taylor has a distinguished carrier, she was the Head of Reference at the Alabama Department of Archives and History and is an expert on Alabama Records at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Ms. Taylor recently retired.

An excellent resource book for all genealogists. Ms. Taylor points out that African American ancestry research becomes difficult prior to 1870 due to slavery.

Ms. Sheila Washington introduces Ms. Franzine Taylor and Mr. Elliot Miller.

Mr. Elliot Miller makes presentation to the Scottsboro Boys Museum of his sketch of the Scottsboro Boys. Mr. Miller stated he hoped his art would help people to see the reality of the African American struggle in our community.

Mr. Miller discussed race relations in Scottsboro. Mr. Miller indicated to the group at Joyce Chapel that he believed the City Council should adopt a Resolution of Apology to the African American community for Jim Crow discriminatory practices which has occurred in Scottsboro's history.

The Scottsboro Boys Case, The Beginning of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Elliot Miller's art work on left. Many thanks to Ms. Franzine Taylor for her fantastic presentation on ancestor research and Mr. Elliot Miller for his gift.

 

Scottsboro Boys Museum Needs Your Help

In our society's communities there comes a time for measurements of a community's values. What are the citizens values and attitudes, what do the people value in a community? Where injustice has occurred how do citizens work to establish their image to the city, county, state, the nation and the world. The time has come for Scottsboro and Alabama's citizens to measure their values relating to race relations.

 

79 years ago, almost to the day, 9 teenage boys were accused of raping 2 white girls, March 25, 1931. The resulting series of cases become known as the Scottsboro Boys Case. The veil of time has been parted to reveal the truth of the Scottsboro Trials. The cases were a trumped up charge which told the story of racism in Jim Crow America.

The Scottsboro case occurred 7 months after 3 African Americans were kidnapped out of the Marion, Indiana jail where they had been arrested for allegations of raping a white girl. 1 youth escaped 2 were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan by hanging. Fears were rampant that the same would occur in Scottsboro.

History reflects a show of force and cooler heads prevailed in Scottsboro. History also reflects bigotry in Jim Crow Alabama resulted in other than a fair jury trial in Scottsboro and the subsequent cases.

I have traveled around the world in my near 58 years of life. In my travels discussion will eventually come around to "where are you from?" I always proudly answer Scottsboro, Alabama.

Many folks equate Scottsboro with Unclaimed Baggage, within the past 20 years, "snake handling," the Scottsboro case and the stereotype that Scottsboro represents in racism and bigotry. The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center provides an opportunity to reverse the negative stereotype of Scottsboro, Alabama, to heal the wounds and scars of Jim Crow Alabama and the personal bigotry of a few.

I have recorded the history of the Scottsboro Boys Museum since it opened on December 20, 2009 on this blog. A deal was struck with caring and concerned leadership within the North Alabama United Methodist Conference to occupy the building while the museum staff raise funds for purchasing of the longest standing African American Church in Scottsboro and Jackson County, Alabama. Built in 1878, rebuilt in 1904. The church was literally built by former slaves. The African American Community has purchased this Church many times over in the 132 years it has been in existence. The community, the Methodist Church and all good people have an opportunity to demonstrate exactly where their values lie. Some have stepped up and made big contributions. Senator Lowell Barron, Representatives John Robinson and Butch Taylor are just a few. The Harbin family, the Maples family, Dr Pitts and family of Huntsville, Al. and many others. We have raised $42, 000 dollars but we need $33,000 more for the purchase of the building and property. The United Methodist Conference is asking $75,000 for the property.

No one knows what the future will bring, however I know that an opportunity presents itself to resolve an inequity of history and end a negative stereotype about Scottsboro, Alabama. An opportunity to heal old wounds and educate citizens about the importance of the Scottsboro Boys case and how the case was the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. I know there is no better place to do this than a historical African American Church in Scottsboro, Alabama.

Some have said buying or selling Joyce Chapel is just business, I answer those who would say this loudly, NO IT IS NOT JUST BUSINESS!

Joyce Chapel represents the plight of African Americans in Alabama and specifically Scottsboro. Joyce Chapel represents whether a religious institution places money before souls, the community and the cultural heritage of our nation. Joyce Chapel represents the sacrifice of a people and their religious heritage. Joyce Chapel and The Scottsboro Boys Museum represents America, Alabama, Scottsboro, the Methodists and Christian religious values in general. Now all involved must answer, where do their values and hearts lie? Will there be a celebration of progress in a 21st Century Scottsboro or an epitaph of a dead opportunity and a continuation of a negative stereotype about Scottsboro and proof that a culture of racism exists in 21st Century Alabama institutions and people? How will this chapter of Joyce Chapel's history and that of Scottsboro be recorded?

You fellow citizens and readers have a chance to determine how the history of Joyce Chapel and the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center will be recorded.

 

Garry Morgan, Historian, Scottsboro Boys Museum

Department of Defense Race Relations/Equal Opportunity Specialist

U.S. Army Retired

Story in The Daily Sentinel by Dwight Patterson: http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=73f8ab5de4e0f777

Story and Comments on "Left in Alabama." http://www.leftinalabama.com/diary/5939/scottsboro-boys-museums-future-is-in-doubt

Joyce Chapel Service, "The Joy of Moving Ahead," Reverend Donna King.

The story of the Miracle of Salvation thru dramatic dance and music by the "Rejoice Praise Team." A beautiful moving presentation. 42 people enjoyed the Sunday afternoon service at Joyce Chapel, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center.

Singer and guitarist Mark Vernon provides beautiful music for the soul during the event.

This afternoons 3PM service at Joyce Chapel was conducted by Reverend Donna King, "The Barefoot Preacher," Pastor of Hollis Memorial Methodist Church on South Broad Street. Reverend Kings message to the community, "The Joy of Moving Ahead."

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"Keep your eyes wide open so we may see what God provides for us. Look back long enough so we may learn. God has something new, a better day, the future is bright. God has provided this community a blessing. This is the story for Joyce Chapel." Absolutely Reverend King, God will provide.

garrymorgan.icopyright.com

Weekend Events for Scottsboro Boys Museum, March 20-21, 2010

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center we will be open from 10AM till 4PM for tours and visitors.

Sunday, March 21st, 2010 at 3PM we will have services at Joyce Chapel, Reverend Donna King will be conducting the service. She is the Pastor for Hollis Memorial Chapel, New Hope Chapel on Hwy 79 and Aspel Community Chapel.

Mr. Wiley Whitfield

Mr. Whitfield was the builder of Joyce Chapel and the Goosepond Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It is reported he was a large property owner in Scottsboro. Mr. Whitfield was Black and is buried along side his wife in the old Black portion of the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro, Al. It appears Mr. Whitfield died after his wife in 1929. No one has placed the date of death of Mr. Whitfield on the grave marker.

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The following census info is listed concerning the Whitfield Family, ALABAMA SOURCE BOOK -- SNODGRASS FAMILY http://www.lindapages.com/snodgrass/al.txt : 1) 19 Jan 1873 - Talitha Snodgrass to Wiley Whitfield; Jackson Co Marriages Bk-B p. 181[1880 Jackson Co AL as "mulatto" & "black"]

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2) 1880 Jackson Co AL Census/Soundex, Scottsboro - Page 223C Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace Wile WHITFIELD Self M M B 28 TN Occ: Plasterer Fa: TN Mo: TN; Talitha WHITFIELD Wife F M MU 25 AL Occ: Keeping House Fa: AL Mo: AL; Sallie SNODGRASS Mother L F W B 56 AL Fa: AL Mo: AL; Ernest WILLIAMS Nephew M S B 2 TN Fa: AL Mo: TN

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3) #53/54: Wile Whitfield 28-M-TN/TN/TN (black) plasterer; Talitha Whitfield 25-F-AL/AL/AL (mulatto) wife; Sallie Snodgrass 56-F-AL/AL/AL (black) mother-in-law; Ernest Williams 2-M-TN/AL/TN (black) nephew

 

Scottsboro Boys Museum/ Interpretive Center Open House at the Historic Joyce Chapel in Scottsboro, Alabama

The Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation held an Open House at the historic Joyce Chapel Methodist Church in Scottsboro Sunday, December 20th, 2009, to showcase the future home of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. Joyce Chapel, built in 1878 and rebuilt in 1904, is the oldest African American Church in existence in Jackson County Alabama, it is located at 428 West Willow Street in Scottsboro, Alabama.
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The Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization. Donations are graciously accepted and may be mailed to the Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 1557, Scottsboro, Alabama, 35768

The Scottsboro Boys and their attorney Samuel Liebowitz.

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"The saga of the Scottsboro Boys demonstrated the deep seated, racist, white fear of the alleged black male rapist – in this case in the guise of youth. It likewise illustrated the power of this fear to override evidence and reason in the determination of guilt and innocence.

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The issue was neither guilt nor innocence; rather it was the maintenance of white supremacy and the repression of black freedom. Nevertheless, the concerted and inspiring efforts to undo the wrongs against the Scottsboro Boys contributed significantly to the ongoing African-American Freedom Struggle and the interrelated struggle to defeat Jim Crow."

Sheila Washington and her son. Sheila has been a driving force for the museum; Sheila had this to say about the project. "From 17 years old until now, it's been my dream to have a museum to honor the Scottsboro Boys. To think about the positive side of how it effected change to the Constitution and affected all our lives. We're not focusing on any bad things. We're going after the change this case brought about." More on Sheila's story may be seen on "Left in Alabama." (Link to "Left in Alabama" removed due to corrupted data files.) NPR report, "Remembering Sheila Washington. . ." https://wbhm.org/2021/remembering-sheila-washington-who-brought-honor-to-the-scottsboro-boys/

Pictured left to right, Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter, Ms. Sheila Washington and Rev. Tom Bell, Superintendent of the Northeast District for the United Methodist Church and Trustee of Alabama A&M University ( http://www.governorpress.state.al.us/pr/pr-2009-06-11-01-trustees.asp )
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It is Ms. Washington whose idea that has been the driving force behind this project. The book titled the "Scottsboro Boy" sparked Ms. Washington's interest in the case when she was 18. Ms Washington stated, "I discovered the book hidden under a bed." Ms. Washington addedthat originally her parents had forbid her from reading the book, they were afraid of the emotional damage it might cause.

Ms. Caldwell plays Christmas music during the open house. Other singers included Ms. Stephanie Speers and Ms. Rebeca Parrish.

Pictured left to right: Ms. Washington, Rev. Tom Bell and Mr. Charles Rhodes, District Attorney for Jackson County Alabama.

Pictured left to right: Ms Washington, and Mr. & Mrs. J.D. Stevens of Scottsboro.

Ms. Cheryl Snodgrass-Caffey (center of photo) discusses the displays and the Scottsboro Boys Case with members of the community.

Pictured left to right: Mr. Horrace Clemmons, Commissioner District 4, Jackson County Commission, Ms. Washington and Ms. Clemmons.

There were 52 people who attended the open house. Displays of art, poetry and history of the Scottsboro Boys Case were set up around the historic church.
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Article from "Left in Alabama:"(non-functional link)
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Huntsville Times article: "Remembering Scottsboro Boys," Monday, December 21, 2009 By David Brewer
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SCOTTSBORO - Frigid temperatures Sunday could not keep Doris Baker of Decatur from driving here to attend an open house at the 131-year-old Joyce United Methodist Church where the Scottsboro Boys Museum will officially open on Feb. 1.
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"I've led many protests," Baker, a civil rights activist, said as she looked at photographs of the early 1930s trials of nine black men accused of raping two white women. "But one of the things that gives me strength" in the fight against social injustice "is things like this..."
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Rest of the story may be read at the below link. --- Many of the links listed regarding the al dot com articles are archived. Readers may find the stories at al dot com's Scottsboro Boys Museum archives: 
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/126139057155310.xml&coll=1

UPDATE March 19, 2021 - Al dot com archives link to stories about the Scottsboro Boys Museum

https://www.al.com/search/?q=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum
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THREATS-RACISM
Unfortunately this project has had its detractors due to racism and bigotry in the community. Threats were made early on in the process to Mr. J.P. Parsons, Tourism Director, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2009/11/scottsboro-city-council-meeting_16.html
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Threats of arson and racial hate speech have been conveyed on local internet discussion forums, al.com-Scottsboro Forum on December 16, 2009 between the hours of 11:24PM and 11:31PM. 1) "LET US ALL KNOW WHEN YOU GET THAT BLACK MUSEUM BUILT AND WE WILL BURN IT DOWN WITHIN THE MONTH." 2) "someone needs to take hussein obammy out soon." 3) "you idiots in scottsboro do what you want. you only making fools of yourselves.did the good white people hang any blacks 130 years ago? blacks get to much as it is.oh the good ole days with the cotton being pick. they knew their place then."
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"Left in Alabama" You Tube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77I-QdXmMbA&feature=player_embedded# Many thanks to "Left in Alabama," excellent article and video, very professional job.
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We must learn the lessons of our history or we will surely repeat our mistakes.

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