Located in southwest Conecuh County near the small community of Lenox, this is one of the oldest churches in the county. While its exact founding date is not documented in early conference records, it was formally organized prior to 1856. In its earliest years, the congregation was known as the Brush Creek Church or the Brush Creek Society.
The congregation’s first place of worship was a small building made of round logs. It was replaced by the present building which is estimated to have been built before the Civil War (c. 1850s). This estimate is based on architectural features such as the 9-over-6 window sashes and the presence of hand-hewn log supports and floor joists.
The current church is a simple, one-room rectangular building with two doors on the front and a front gable overhanging roof. Notably, the roof is cantilevered at both gable ends to create a porch effect. The interior of the building appears to be original with unpainted wood walls, ceiling and floor. This church building is essentially unchanged from when it was constructed and remains without modern additions such as electricity or indoor plumbing. A privy is located behind the church.
By 1948, the Brushy Creek Church membership had dwindled to the point that regular services were discontinued. The church still has an annual Homecoming Day on the first Thursday in August. On Homecoming Day, the cemetery is cleaned, a preaching service is held, and there is Dinner on the Ground.
The Brushy Creek Methodist Church was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage (ARLH) on October 4, 1993.
This church is located just off Brushy Creek Road approximately two miles south of Lenox, AL (Brushy Creek Methodist Church – Google Maps).
Sources: 1) ARLH “Brushy Creek Methodist Church” Documentation Form; 2) The Heritage of Conecuh County, Alabama published by Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc., pages 33-34, Brushy Creek Methodist Church.
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