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Historical marker dedicated at Fruitdale Union Chapel
The occasion was the celebration and dedication of a historical marker at the Fruitdale Union Chapel where 105 years ago, five local citizens had a vision for a church building in the community. In the fall of 1902, A. J. Hand, George H. Davis, Isabella Youse, Abbie C. Mareness, and Mary Gooding filed a declaration to form the Fruitdale Union Chapel Association. According to Washington County Deed Book 5, property was acquired from the Fruitdale Land Company, C. F. Hitchcock, president. Through donated materials, local men's donated labor and ladies fund-raising efforts, the chapel became a reality and the first service was held there on Easter Sunday 1904.
Time has darkened the beaded wood inside the chapel; but time has only enhanced the quality of the workmanship: the precise joining of difficult angles making intricate designs with beaded wood, which can only be described as the work of master craftsmen. The exquisite woodwork, the vaulted ceiling, the pointed gothic-style windows typical of turn-of-the-century church architecture, and lovely old pews send a visitor back into time upon entering this historic place. Floyd Replogle of Lillian, a former member of Union Chapel and former teacher at Fruitdale High School in the 1950s, was master of ceremonies. He related some of his memories of Sunday School classes in the chapel. One of the most poignant parts of the dedication program was the "I remember" segment where those returning to this place of their childhood and growing up years, gave voice to their memories. There were numerous humorous accounts, but the recurring theme was the Christian life-lessons learned in this place that has sustained them through life's journey. Dr. Paul Petcher, whose own father pastored the Fruitdale Church of the Bretheren for 40 years, and who has deep roots in Fruitdale, was guest speaker. He recounted memories of the town and its people and said, "It is the people who make any place a good place to live." Dr. Petcher a retired M.D. and chairman of the Washington County Museum, was recently named to the Washington County Hall of Fame. Herman Miller, age 90, is the oldest person still living in the Fruitdale community who attended Union Chapel. His accounts of the services, especially the Christmas pageants held there brought laughter and misty eyes to those in the congregation. Andy Williams of Chatom performed a powerful vocal and trumpet rendition of "Amazing Grace." The church bells were rung and the marker unveiled by Russell Hendrix, trustee of Fruitdale Union Chapel.
The marker acquisition and dedication was the culmination of a year's effort by a local committee composed of: Russell Hendrix, Sherry Scarbrough, Beatrice Savage, Bill Toomey and Ellen Williams. The marker bears the logo of and is endorsed by the Alabama Historical Association.
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