This stop on the Federal Road tours is one of my favorite. I
strongly suggest that you allow some extra time on this one to
enjoy the area.
Almon Sanderson came to this area in 1835 with his son, a
sister, and a brother. In 1843, he met and married Elizabeth
Stewart. At the time there was no Church in the area, so Almon and
Elizabeth were married at home.
Shortly after this event, Almon began discussing the idea of
building a Church with his neighbors. Meanwhile, in 1844, at a
General Conference of the Methodist Church in New York City, a
debate over slavery was taking place. Two members of the
conference, Rev. Harding and Bishop Andrews were slave owners. They
were given the choice of getting rid of their slaves or getting out
of the Church. They chose to leave the Church and were followed by
other delegates from thirteen southern states. As a result, in 1845
in Louisville, KY, these men formed the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church South. A gentleman by the name of AG
Garrett from Pintlala was sent as a delegate to this conference. At
the conference he met Rev. Sam Moody, who agreed to add this new
Church at Pintlala to his circuit.
In 1846 Almon Sanderson bought the land for the Church. A log
building was then constructed which would be Tabernacle Methodist
Church. During this time many Churches, including this one were
served by circuit rider preachers. These preachers traveled by
horseback between assignments. Many times they would camp out
because of the distance between the Churches in their circuits.
In 1851, Almon Sanderson's son, Jesse died. He was the first
person to be buried in the cemetery here. In 1865 a 14 year old son
of Almon and Elizabeth was murdered and he was buried here.
In 1893 the log Church was in need of repair, so it was rebuilt.
Parts of the old Church including the altar and chairs, and the
window shutters were retained and are still there today.
The front of the Church was remodeled in 1950, replacing the two
front doors with a single one. In the early days of the Church men
and women used separate doors to enter the building.
In 1978 the Church ceased to hold formal services. However, in
July, 1978, it was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and
Heritage. On August 6, 1978, the first official meeting of the
Tabernacle Historical Association was held. This meeting continues
to be held here every fifth Sunday.
This cache was placed with the permission of the historical
commission. I am very grateful to them for allowing us the
opportunity to visit this site through this wonderful sport we
enjoy. Please be sure as always to exercise "Cache In/Trash Out".
The volunteers do a wonderful job of keeping this place clean, so
let's be sure to do our part as well. If you see any trash lying
around please be sure to pick it up.
I hope that you will also drive little farther down the old
Federal Road and relive the journey of the early settlers who came
through here.
