Historical marker describes one of Alabama's last remaining log churches

Andrews Chapel in McIntosh, Ala. 

This week’s featured historical marker is the “ANDREWS CHAPEL” marker in Washington County, Ala. This marker is located on the east side of U.S. Highway 43, just north of the intersection of John Johnston Road, across the street from the post office, in McIntosh, Ala.

This marker was erected by the Alabama Historical Commission, but it does not indicate the year that it was erected. There’s text on both sides of the marker, but both sides are the same. What follows in the complete text from the marker:

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“ANDREWS CHAPEL: Andrews Chapel, also known as the McIntosh Log Church, is one of the few remaining log churches in Alabama. In 1860, John G. Rush and his wife donated land for a church to the McIntosh community. Shortly afterwards, the church was constructed and named for James O. Andrew, a Bishop in the Methodist Church. The log church is secured on the ends by square notching and caulking in the cracks. The roof is covered in wood shingles. In 1952, a new church was constructed and Andrews Chapel vacated. It is currently used for special occasions. Andrews Chapel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.”

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A number of things jump out at me when I read this marker, especially the name of James Osgood Andrew. Born on May 3, 1794 in Washington township in Wilkes County, Ga., Andrew was the first native of Georgia to enter the Methodist ministry. He lived in Dallas County, Ala. during the Civil War and passed away in Mobile on March 2, 1871 at the age of 76. Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga. was named in his honor.

John Gassaway Rush, who donated land for the church, was born on March 28, 1817. He passed away at the age of 54 on Feb. 28, 1872 and is buried in McIntosh Cemetery, which is located behind Andrews Chapel.

John G. Rush’s wife was Glorvina Johnston Rush. She was born on Dec. 28, 1817. She passed away at the age of 74 on Aug. 16, 1892 and is buried in the McIntosh Cemetery with her husband.

As of this writing, the Andrews Chapel is one of three locations in Washington County, Ala. listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Andrews Chapel was added to the register on Nov. 20, 1974. The Old St. Stephens Site at St. Stephens was added on Dec. 29, 1970, and the Old Washington County Courthouse at St. Stephens was added on July 3, 1997.

The modern church building located adjacent to the Andrews Chapel is called the McIntosh United Methodist Church. The street address for that building is 7554 U.S. Highway 43. If you can find that church, you’ll have no problem finding the Andrews Chapel and the marker mentioned above.

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.