By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a day for celebration with song, testimony, and praise as Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Paris was honored Saturday for its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Quinn Chapel, which has been in existence for 156 years, was listed on the National Register in late 2022 and the Captain Charles Barham Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century conducted an official marking ceremony to commemorate the honor. The local Colonial Dames Chapter has now marked 20 historic sites in the last two years.
Speakers at the ceremony included Chapter President Mary Ann Claxton, Bicentennial Committee Chair Carl Holder, Current Quinn Chapel Minister Rev. Dr. John Dandridge, Former Quinn Minister Brother Otto Duncan, Rt. Rev. E. Anne Henning-Byfield, whose father served as a Quinn Chapel minister and who was a teacher at the former Henry County Training Center. Several officials with the Colonial Dames also spoke, including Carole Fields, President of the Tennessee Society and Mary Stagg Johnston, Honorary President-General of the Tennessee State Society.
Also participating in Saturday’s services were Boy Scout Troop 22, which was in charge of posting and retiring the colors; Georg Todd, who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance (Todd is retired from the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army and was awarded a Silver Star); the Quinn Chapel Choir and musical group.
Quinn Chapel formed its first congregation in 1867, with the current church built in 1917. Holder noted that Quinn “became a beacon of hope” for the local African American community over its lengthy history.
Henning-Byfield provided history of the local and AME congregations in general, noting that African-Americans “had to fight to be able to have a right to worship”. The first AME church was formed in Kentucky in 1820. The first AME Church in Tennessee was formed in 1863 “with Quinn Chapel not too far behind, so that makes it even more significant”, she said.
She recalled that her father was pastor of Quinn and was a principal of the Henry County Training School which used to be located right next to Quinn. “We grew up being very proud of Quinn,” she said.
Johnston praised the local Colonial Dames chapter for its work in marking historic sites. “I don’t know of any other chapters that have marked so many sites. That’s why we’ve recommended a National Society award for outstanding achievement. You’re a role model for other chapters.”
People “will stop and read this marker for years to come. From 1867 to now, Quinn Chapel has been a fixture of the community,” she said.
Brother Duncan recounted the history of Quinn Chapel, saying, “It has been active in the religious life of the community and with community service”, including serving as a haven for the Black soldiers who served at Camp Tyson during WWII. “We will continue to do the will of God and we acknowledge and celebrate all of those who went before us.”
The marker commemorating the inclusion on the National Register has been placed on the wall at the entrance to the church.
Photo: The Quinn Chapel AME Church Choir performed several hymns and patriotic songs at the event. Shannon McFarlin photo.