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

"The Nature of Historians" and Alabama Methodist Leadership

"It is well known that historians rewrite the past in light of the present and that current concerns inspire the subjects they choose, the questions they ask, and often the answers they provide. However acute their self-awareness, however well developed their methodological introspection, historians cannot banish the influence of time and place and the unconscious. Thus, writing about the past is always, in Ismar Schorsch's phrase, 'a refraction of the present.' "
Dr. Todd M. Endelman, Professor of Modern Jewish History, University of Michigan

Dr. Ellen Spears, Assistant Professor, University of Alabama, Assistant Professor of American Studies introduces our distinguished guest lecturers for today's events at the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center.


Dr. Spears was formerly the associate director of the Southern Regional Council, the Atlanta-based civil rights research institute, a contributing writer for “The Case for Extending and Amending the Voting Rights Act.” She has taught urban ecology and environmental ethics as a visiting assistant professor in the Institute of the Liberal Arts and in the Department of Environmental Studies at Emory University. Her research is broadly interdisciplinary, combining civil rights and environmental history, social justice theory, and studies of science, technology, and public health. http://web.as.ua.edu/amstud/faculty_and_staff/Spears/

Dr. James A. Miller, Professor of English and American Studies; Chair, American Studies Department, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Dr. Miller's recent book, "Remembering Scottsboro: The Legacy of an Infamous Trial" follows the trajectory of the notorious case and its aftermath as it circulated in fiction, poetry, drama, and film, from the 1930s until recent times. http://www.gwu.edu/~amst/community/faculty/core/miller.htm

Dr. Miller's lecture today focused on the history of the Scottsboro Boys relating to "truth and reconciliation, reconciliation begins with truth." "We must embrace the truth of the Scottsboro Boys case before reconciliation may begin." This is what the Scottsboro Boys Museum is about.

"In investigating history, you do not know where you are going until you get there. We must ask, where are we now, where do we go now??"

Very timely comment Dr. Miller, "where do we go now?" What will the Scottsboro Boys future be on the 15th of April? Will today's event be the last in this historic church?

The United Methodist Church of Alabama, Northern District has given notice to the Scottsboro Boys Museum they must pay $75,000 by the 15th of April or get out of the church. The museum has raised $40,000, the Methodist leadership has refused to negotiate or provide more time. It is important to note there are no written contracts, only prior verbal agreements which are not clear in content.

It seems "business" is more important than religious and historical cultural values to the Alabama United Methodist Church Leadership. Joyce Chapel is the oldest standing African American Church in Scottsboro and Jackson County Alabama. "Where do we go now" is the question of the month for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. Will the Methodist leadership sell this religious, historical and cultural institution of Scottsboro for the value of money to a business venture, ignoring the religious and cultural values of our community's African Americans and the healing process the museum involves? Will the museum raise the remaining $35,000 in time?

Stories of Jesus in the Temple come to mind driving out the money changers, Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, Luke 19:45. I wonder if Jesus would approve of selling the church for a business proposition instead of celebrating the Civil Rights connection to the church and freedom of African Americans. Worship services are being conducted in Joyce Chapel on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays at 3PM.

The Methodist leadership has stated to the museum and multi-cultural board members, "we have a business buyer with a $75,000 check." I asked of the District Superintendent, "will you partner with us to make this vision successful for Scottsboro?" The District Superintendent and his cohort's answer, "you have until the 15th of April or we will sell the church."

God willing, this Historian for the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center will be present to write the history of this event along with my commentary on this subject in a revealing and truthful manner.

The truth will be embraced in this case, reconciliation is to be determined at a future date, particularly for the Alabama Methodist leadership, who by all appearances place money over religious and cultural values of a community.

Dr. Susan D Pennybacker, Professor of European History, Trinity University, Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Pennybacker is a modern British and European specialist, who has taught at Trinity since 1983, and as a visitor at Wesleyan University, New York University, The City College of New York, and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa). Her book, From Scottsboro to Munich; race and political culture in 1930s Britain (Princeton University Press), appeared this summer, 2009. http://internet2.trincoll.edu/facProfiles/Default.aspx?fid=1000652

"Historians are an overpaid detective. We bring the events of history together to reveal the truth."

"The Scottsboro Boys case is a world event. Is the world prepared to come to Scottsboro?" Another question, is Scottsboro prepared to accept the world coming to town? Will the Scottsboro Boys Museum continue to exist 15 days from now?

"Jim Crow is a tragedy of the South, it is the story of America. The struggles of the families involved in the case is a very important part of the story."

"Mrs. Ada Wright, mother of Roy and Andy Wright, traveled all over Europe in the attempt to win her sons freedom."

The Ada Wright story: http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ahr/106.2/ah000387.html

Dr. Pennybacker pointed out that original telegrams sit in libraries in the Russian Federation related to the Scottsboro Boys case.

Mr. McDaniels graces Joyce Chapel once again with his harmonica playing "America" and "Amazing Grace."

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center in conjunction with the University of Alabama and Auburn University sponsored (photo left to right) Dr. Ellen Spears, University of Alabama, Assistant Professor of American Studies; Dr. Susan D Pennybacker, author of "From Scottsboro to Munich," Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, Professor of European history; Ms. Sheila Washington, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, Scottsboro/Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation, Chairperson; Dr. James A. Miller, author of "Remembering Scottsboro: The Legacy of an Infamous Trial," Professor of English and American Studies, Chair of American Studies Department, George Washington University, Washington D.C.

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