Selma's Gothic-style First Baptist Church is adorned with gargoyles to remind folks of what hellish creatures await them if they don't get themselves into church.
From the First Baptist Church website: (
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"The First Baptist Church of Selma was organized on May 29, 1842, with Rev. Solon Lindsey as pastor. However, it was not until June 15, 1850 that the congregation had its first permanent building. That building faced Church Street on the northeast corner of the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Church Street.
First Baptist’s pastor Noble Leslie DeVotie resigned his post to serve as chaplain to the Selma troops leaving for the Civil War. He drowned in Mobile Bay becoming the “first casualty of the Civil War.” After the battle of Selma, First Baptist was the only church open for Sunday services. Therefore, during the federal occupation of Selma, federal officers attended these services. During World War I, First Baptist’s pastor John A. Davison followed DeVotie’s example, resigning his post to follow the troops to France. Unlike DeVotie, he survived the war and later served a second time as pastor during World War II.
After the Civil War in 1866, African-American deacon, Alex Goldsby asked and received permission from pastor J.B. Hathorne to open Selma’s first school for African-American youth in the church’s basement. The church later contributed $2,000 to help the black members start their own church.
On April 5, 1900, our church purchased a lot on the corner of Dallas and Lauderdale Streets. On May 3, 1901, a contract was made for the construction of our present auditorium building. The first two contractors encountered difficulties with the building, and the architects, Wilson and Edwards, recommended the contract be canceled. Finally, Ernest Lamar, the chairman of the Building Committee, took charge of the task himself. The third Sunday in September, 1904, was set as the first day of worship in the new building and a former pastor, A. J. Dickerson, was invited to preach the first sermon in the building. However, it was not until 1909, that the costs were paid off and the church could finally be dedicated.
The building’s architecture represents high gothic. In the original construction, the Gargoyles serve as rain spouts on the massive stone tower. The original slate roof was replaced in 2004. One of the splendid windows and the magnificent mosaic were both designed by Selma artist, Clara Weaver Parrish, who had a studio in New York. They were made by Tiffany & Company of New York. A Mr. McKibbon was contracted to build the splendid woodwork within the church. The pulpit furniture is also of gothic design. . . ."