The Jefferson Baptist Church, originally known as Mt. Pleasant Baptist, is one of the oldest religious congregations in the Demopolis area and a centerpiece of the historic community of Jefferson in Marengo County. The church was established in 1820 as Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, shortly after Alabama gained statehood. It was organized by Elder James Yarbrough. The congregation began with 27 charter members. By 1834, the church had grown significantly, recording a membership of 150 people. The church has long been a member of the Bethel Baptist Association, which was one of the primary Baptist associations in the Alabama Black Belt during the 19th century.
The present sanctuary was constructed around 1860, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. The building is a Greek Revival frame structure, characterized by its simple, symmetrical lines and pedimented gable.
The church’s history is deeply intertwined with the founding of the town itself. The adjacent cemetery serves as a record of the area’s earliest settlers. Three veterans of the American Revolution – John Gilmore, Reuben Hildreth, and John Sample – are buried in the church cemetery. These men were instrumental in the founding of Jefferson and the establishment of the Baptist congregation.
The Jefferson Baptist Church is a contributing property to the Jefferson Historic District that listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This church is located beside Hwy 28 at Jefferson (Google Maps – 32.386428, -87.896203).
Sources: 1) Jefferson Baptist Church Historical Marker (located at church); 2) NRHP “Jefferson Historic District” Nomination Form.