Located on a gravel road in north Monroe County near the community of McWilliams, this modest church stands as a distinguished landmark of Alabama’s heritage. It was built about 1825 by early pioneer settlers near springs that were used by local Indians. This was shortly after Alabama had become a state. The simple wood-frame church has survived for 200 years, and the building remains virtually unchanged – with no modern conveniences including electricity and plumbing.
The Indian Springs church congregation was accepted into the Bethlehem Baptist Association fellowship in 1835. The newly constituted church had 22 charter members and held Sabbath meetings on third Sundays. Baptisms were held in the springs nearby which gave the church its name.
The Indian Springs Baptist Church is located near the north edge of Monroe County on a gravel road that intersects AL Hwy 21 near the community of McWillams. An Indian Springs Baptist Church historic marker is located beside AL Hwy 21 at the intersection where the gravel road intersects with AL Hwy 21. This intersection is approximately 2-3 miles south of McWilliams (Google Maps: 31.797721, -87.093677). The church is located approximately 1.7 miles up the gravel road from the paved road (Google Maps: 31.793766, -87.117834).
This church was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage (ARLH) on 26 June 2003 because of its contribution to the heritage of Alabama.
Sources: 1) ARHP Registration Form for the Indian Springs Baptist Church near McWilliams; 2) Indian Springs Baptist Church historic marker.