Old Scotland Presbyterian Church

From the files of Scotland Presbyterian Church, Tunnel Springs, Alabama, Historical Foundation of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, Montreat North Carolina. (Address at the end of this article) The following early history of the Scotland Presbyterian Church, Tunnel Springs, Alabama, was written by a former pastor, Rev N. B. Keahey, on Nov 7, 1900:

"Scotland church was organized about 1823 on what is now (1900) known as " Ridge" near the residence of Mrs. Lee White, and was known as Ephronia" church. About 1835 this church was reorganized at the present site and called "Flat Creek" Presbyterian church. It is unknown as to when it began to be known as Scotland Church. Among the ministers who were present when the church was organized were Rev. Neil McMillian and Rev. Baldwin of Claiborn, Alabama. Camp meetings were held not long after the church was organized and a meeting of Presbytery was held about 1843-44.

Rev. H.A. Smith ministered to the church for several years preceding the Civil War, but the Sessional Records up to 1860 were lost, and therefore nothing definite is known as to what years he was there. In February, 1860 the first records appear, and that of Old Scotland Presbyterian Church and Cemetery Monroe County, Alabama meeting conducted by Rev. R. Nall, D.D. The elders at that time were Niell McCorvey, M. M. McCorvey and G .J. Cumming..

From 1860 to 1864, the church was ministered to by Rev. G. W. Boggs, J. W. Porter and I. H. Salter. From 1866-1868, the church was in charge of Rev. R. H. Salter and Rev. G. W. Boggs. In 1870 Rev. J. C Stites held a meeting and during the same year Rev. A. McFayden of N.C. was called to serve the church half-time. During this' year thirty members were set off to form the Monroeville Presbyterian church. Namely, C. L. Clausell, Mary Clausell, J. H. Frye, Amanda Frye, Martha Patrick, A. B. Norris, T. J. Stephens, Niell McMillian, Mary A. Sowell, Joseph Paupe, Fannie Wiggins, Rebecca Thompson, Catherine Roberts, Ella Parker, Jane Roberts, Murdock MoCorvey, Sarah L. McCorvey, James Oniell, Harriet Oniell, R. H. Rumbley, Jr. Mary Rumbley, T.A. Rumbley, and Jane Daily.(colored)

In 1871 Rev. J. Minter Crane took charge of the church and remained in charge until 1874.

In the later part of this year (1874) Rev. John G. McBryde served the church. During this time A. B. McCorvey and Jno. D. Smith were ordained elders. In 187576 Rev. G.W. Boggs made a few visits to the church. Near this date as appears from oral testimony, Rev. W. H. McAuly took charge of the church, and there are records showing him in charge as late as 1884, when W. D. Nettles was ordained elder. In 1885 and for some time thereafter Rev. P . C. Morton and Rev. Miller visited the church. In 1890-91-92 Rev. W. D. Heath had charge of this church. Rev. L. Link ministered to the church a part of 1892-93. Scotland, Alabama November 7, 1900

Scotland, Alabama, November 7, 1900"

For the past thirty years the following ministers have served as pastors or as stated supply:

Rev. Morrow for a short time.

Rev. B. R. Anderson in 1904 and served for about two years

Rev. W. H. Boyd in 1906 and served for about two years.

Rev. McCully supplied for a while coming from Camden, Ala for services.

Rev. Murdock Murphy as stated supply in 1913.

Rev. O. C. Dolphy in 1914 as stated supply for about two years.

Rev. Sifton coming from Brewton as stated supply.

The above sketch was copied from the files of Scotland Church in the archives of the Historical Foundation of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in Montreat North Carolina. Their Mailing Address is:

Historical Foundation of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches

Assembly Drive, Box 847

Montreat N C 28767