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For small isolated African American communities such as those in
Lee County, the church served as the bedrock of the community. Many
social activities took place in the African American churches and
for some, the only chance that they had to socialize with other
African Americans was at church.
Bethel A.M.E.
Bethel A.M.E. was organized in1864. The congregation built a
church in 1871, which burned in the early 1900’s. The congregation
then moved into a Methodist church built in 1857. By the 1980’s
this building was in disrepair. The Bethel congregation decided
to drop the affiliation with the A.M.E. denomination and to build
a new church which opened in 1987.
(top left) Bethel A.M.E., 1984 ~Courtesy of Delores Bradley
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Established in 1871, Pilgrim Rest Baptist church had four other
locations before moving to the present site in 1883. The current
building was built in 1924.
(top right) Photo of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, circa 1960 ~Collection
of AAHMCCI – Gift of Donna Harris
New Boston Church
Historically, the New Boston Church served the African American
Farming community in Lee County. African American farmers would
travel for miles to attend Sunday services. Many would bring their
lunch and eat at the church. Services continue to be held to this
day in the church and each year there is a reunion for church members
and their descendents that have moved away.
(bottom left) New Boston church, circa 1990’s ~Courtesy of
Donna Harris
Fort Madison Churches
Historically there were two African American churches in Fort Madison.
- New Hope Methodist Church
New Hope United Methodist Church was organized in 1924, property
was purchased, a building was built and opened the following year.
New Hope merged with Santa Fe United Methodist Church in 1969.
The church building was torn down in 1971. (not pictured)
- Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church was organized on October 16, 1870 under
the leadership of Rev. Cleanon and Rev. Chambers. The current
building was built in 1986.
(bottom right) Artist drawing of Second Baptist Church ~Courtesy
of Grace Harris
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