Selma RPC
Location: Selma, Ala.
Presbytery: Great Lakes–Gulf
Organized: May 21, 1875
Membership: 40
Pastor: Thomas Gray
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America began its mission work in the South during the Civil War. It had been against slavery for a long time, and was active in the Underground Railroad (Glasgow’s History, 80).
The work of evangelizing and educating blacks focused on Alabama when the Covenanter Board of Missions chose Selma as the center of its southern ministry. Out of that ministry grew two small rural schools with Sabbath schools in the nearby areas. Another was located in East Selma and called “Little Knox,” over which Miss Sophie Kingston served as principal and teacher. A newly built public elementary school in East Selma bears her name.
Knox Academy, the main base of operations, was founded May 11, 1874. Rev. George Elliott was the first superintendent, with about 48 white workers and 52 black workers. The school offered a regular curriculum along with vocational and Bible training. It was active in winning souls for Christ and preparing them for Christian service.
One year after the academy was founded, a congregation of 25 was formally organized. Their pastor was Rev. Lewis Johnston, the first black Covenanter to be ordained. By 1911, the congregation had grown to 100 members.
In 1928, the separate administration of the school and congregation were united under the leadership of Rev. John MacLean Johnston, along with his daughter, Greta Johnston Wright, who taught in the academy.
About 1938, Knox Academy was leased to the City of Selma as a part of the public school system. During Rev. Elza Crooks’ pastorate, 1938-1942, all church property, except the church and manse, was sold.
In 1942, Rev. Claude C. Brown was called to lead the congregation. During this time, a tuition-supported, nonsectarian kindergarten was established as a church ministry. In addition to regular kindergarten activities, Scripture verses and catechism were taught. As the church continued to grow spiritually, its vision expanded into the community—a Boys Club, started in the church, grew into a branch YMCA, bearing Rev. Brown’s name. Scholarships were provided for young men and women going to college at Geneva, Knoxville, Sterling and others.
During the Civil Rights Movement, the church was a focal point, serving meals and providing sleeping accommodations in the church basement and manse. The church served as headquarters for the only white group of the time that was brave enough to march from the church to the courthouse and back. For its participation, the church was later honored with a civil rights plaque, which hangs on the back wall of the auditorium. At the entrance door hangs another plaque showing dates when the historic building was placed on the state registry.
Frequently, the church building is in the annual pilgrimage of civil rights landmarks. In 1977, the congregation called Godfrey Franklin as its pastor. During this pastorate, the church, through the Ohio-Illinois Presbytery, became an independent, self-supported church.
Rev. Robert Hemphill was called by the congregation in 1985. His ministry was widespread in the church and community. Evangelism was a strong point. He and his wife, Cheryl, were instrumental in organizing the pro-life group in Selma and participated in the march on the state capitol. Rev. Ralph Joseph answered the call of the congregation and began serving Nov. 1, 1992. Along with his installation service, a reunion occurred: Greta Wright was presented and greeted by some of her former Knox Academy students. Youth were challenged to take leadership roles in the programs. Pastor Joseph served as moderator of Synod. He served in various community activities.