Dale County AlArchives Photo place.....Methodist Church 1898-1938 October 15 1970
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 May 4, 2004, 4:06 pm

Source: Southern Star
Photo can be seen at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/photos/gph190methodis.jpg
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History of Methodism In Ozark Goes Back to Claybank

  In 1824 Elisha Matthews moved from Darlington County, South Carolina to a 
spot one mile south of what is now Ozark on the present Fort Rucker Road.
  Most of the land in this section was occupied by Indians. Only a few white 
settlers were living in that community at that time.The settlement was known as 
Clay Bank.
  These early settlers were basically religious and brought their religious 
faith to their new homes. It was before the day of regular preachers and 
sermons were few and far between. An appointment to preach was a rare occasion 
not to be missed and drew pioneers for miles around.
  The first house of worship at Clay Bank was built in 1829 and 1830 by Curtis, 
Isaac and Ned Byrd, Billy Martin, John Merrrick and Eli Ruffin.   It was a log 
house, built according to the times and had no denominational ties.
  The building was typical of the times, crudely constructed of round logs. The 
covering was made of boards rived from tree trunks by means of maul and froe. 
The floor and seats were made of puncheons, logs split through the middle with 
the flat sides made smooth with a broad axe. Wooden pegs were used for nails 
and its door hung on wooden hinges. There was no means of heating and cracks 
between the logs served the dual purpose of light and ventilation. It was the 
center of social, religious, and political life of the community for many years.
  Elisha Matthews made the first verbal grant of the Clay Bank Church property 
and Robert Williams was the first preacher at the church. He was one of the 
handy gospel rangers sent out to serve the people.
  One of the early pastors of this church was William Steagall.
  In 1852, the first crude church was replaced by another church.
The edifice, surrounded by trees and weatherbeaten from years of exposure, 
stands today.
  The pioneer church is a picturesque attraction to numerous sightseers who 
visit each year. It is a small building made of logs. Fat lightwood stumps 
serve as the foundation. There are four small windows which offer little 
sunlight with old fashioned wooden shutters opening to the outside. Board 
shingles, rived by hand, cover the church. The crude pulpit stands in one end 
of the small structure and the benches made in 1852, remain in place, worn 
smooth by those who came to worship God many years ago.
  In 1822, one of the first post offices in this section stood just back of the 
present church. John J. Andrews was postmaster and mail was brought there by 
horseback from Louisville along the Cooley trail. Mr. Andrews also had a wood 
shop where he made homemade furniture and wagons for the early settlers.
  A large cemetery is located beside the church and many of the early settlers 
rest beside the church where they were taught to love their Creator. Many 
soldiers killed in the Civil War are also buried there. Elisha Matthews lived 
to the ripe age of 86 years, dying on July 4, 1889, and he was buried in the 
cemetery beside other pioneers who helped build the church.
  The history of Claybank is inexorably tied to that of the "circuit preacher" 
of those days, Zachariah (Uncle Zacky) Dowling, was an example of this type of 
minister. He lived in the Clay Bank community, but was a regular preacher who 
traveled through the length and breadth of the Wiregrass. He went fully 
equipped for all kinds of weather. When his horse Dickey was saddled and 
bridled, he was almost covered by an immense sheepskin saddle blanket.
  Over the saddle were slung the saddlebags containing the preacher's library, 
study, writing materials, wardrobe, barber shop, and laundry. Behind him was a 
blanket for a bed and an overcoat for rain or cold, with an umbrella for sun or 
storm. The stirrups of his saddle were lined with sheepskin to keep his feet 
warm during cold weather.
  Today Clay Bank church is a famous landmark in Dale County and is highly 
prized by the, residents of Ozark.           '


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