A New Historical Marker for

Cornerstone First Global Methodist Church

Have you ever noticed the historical marker located at the entry to our beautiful sanctuary on the corner of Green and Semmes streets? The marker is very important, because it tells the history of our church and designates the property as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our church became part of the Global Methodist Church in February 2023. Soon after, the Trustees asked me to investigate the possibility of updating our historical marker. In March 2023, I contacted the Alabama Historical Association for price and delivery information on a new cast aluminum marker.

I also began researching the history of our church for the revised marker copy. Fortunately, all of the hard work had already been done by a great member of our church. Ann Neighbors, who served as church historian, had written two books of church history, “A Journey of Faith” and “The Journey Continues.”

In April 2023, the great folks in the Upper Room small group decided to purchase the new marker for church. This required members to dig deep to raise the funds. With the goal accomplished, the new historical marker was ordered in December 2023. The new marker had a six-month lead time and would be made in Marietta, Ohio.   

On June 5, 2024, the new marker was delivered and erected. There are two significant changes to the new marker. First, the name has been changed to Youngsville Methodist Church, which was the original name of the church when it was established in 1872. Second, the architectural style of the church has been changed from Neoclassical Romanesque to Gothic Revival, based on research into the style of similar churches built during this same period.

Please take time to read the new historical marker and enjoy the rich history of our church.

Scotty Howell