A powerful tornado destroyed the First Baptist Church of Wetumpka in January 2019. The old part of the chapel received “significant” structural damage during the tornado and was too expensive to repair.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WETUMPKA
The original part of the building was built in 1846. The Church was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1977 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. (continued below)
The original church building of 1846-52 was substantially altered in 1909, and additional buildings were added, including “a 1928-29 educational building, a 1959-60 second educational and office addition, a 1967 sanctuary, and a 1991 educational wing and fellowship hall, all of which are connected on the rear by a series of passages and corridors to form a tight E with its ends facing West Bridge Street. The three facing directly on the street are the original building of 1852, now known as the “historic chapel,” the 1967 church building, and the fellowship hall.”
“The rear wall of the 1852 church abuts directly against the 1929 educational building, which projects about six feet from the building line of the church on both sides and extends as generally a square to the rear.”
VIEW TOWARD ALTAR – Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
“The cornerstone of the First Baptist Church complex is the original sanctuary building, begun in 1846 but not finished until 1852 because it was paid for as it was built and sometimes the funds were not readily forthcoming.”
W. N. Manning, Photographer, March 15, 1935, FRONT ENTRANCE, N. – Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
March 15, 1935 COLUMNS IN CENTRAL PART OF BASEMENT – Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
March 15, 1935 SHOWING TURN IN STAIRWAY N.W. – Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
March 15, 1935 CLOSE- UP OF WINDOWS AND CORNER TREATMENT, ALSO PART OF FRONT DOOR – Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
Staircase W. N. Manning, Photographer, March 15, 1935- Baptist Church, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, Elmore County, AL
An extensive 29-page history of the First Baptist Church of Wetumpka can be found here the National Register of Historic Places.
Tapestry of Love: Three Books In One
Inspired by actual people and historical events of colonial America, “The Kingdom of Accawmacke” is revealed and secrets about America’s history are discovered in this well-researched series. The story begins in 17th century England during the reign of Charles I and continues a family’s journey to the eastern shore of Virginia and Maryland.
REVIEWS
The exhilarating action & subplots keep the reader in constant anticipation. It is almost impossible to put the book down until completion, Dr. Don P. Brandon, Retired Professor, Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana
This is the first book I have read that puts a personal touch to some seemingly real people in factual events. Ladyhawk
Love books with strong women…this has one. Love early American history about ordinary people…even though they were not ‘ordinary’…it took courage to populate our country. This book is well researched and well written. Julia Smith
A picture of love and history rolled into one. A step back in time that pulls you in and makes you a part of the family and their world. Ken Flessas
Each book’s writing gets stronger, characters become real, the struggles and sorrows that laid the foundation for this country. Addictedtobooks
Not only is the story entertaining, it opens the eastern shore of the early Virginia Colony to the reader as a picture book….I know this story will touch many peoples’ hearts. B. Thomas
At the age of sixteen, Mary and her husband, whom she barely knows, are forced to escape the only home they’ve ever known and settle in the primitive 17th century world of America where they shape their family’s destiny for generations.
