Church History

Celebrating a Proud Past, a Prayerful Present, and a Promising Future!

From Poplar Hill to Madkins Chapel

Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America was first named “Poplar Hill.” The name originated as the officers of the church were trying to decide on a building site when a dove flew to a poplar tree on a hill. After that dove flew away, another dove flew over the same tree. The officers decided to build the church on that hill.

The church was located in the Mullins Flat community in southeast Huntsville, Alabama.

Our Journey Through the Years

1892

First Member Baptized

Sister Mary Magdeline Francis Pruitt became the first member of the church, baptized on July 31st, 1892.

1892

Origins

Poplar Hill

The church was originally named “Poplar Hill” after a dove flew to a poplar tree on a hill where officers decided to build. Located in the Mullins Flat community in southeast Huntsville.

Origins

1941

Relocation & Renaming

Redstone Arsenal bought the Mullins Flat community. Sister Maude Burney and her sister Arbelia were determined to keep the church alive. They purchased property at 304 Blake Street from Frank and Wyatt Madkins, naming the church after the Madkins brothers.

1941

1946-1980

Rev. Robert L. Blackburn

Rev. Blackburn faithfully served as pastor from September 1946 until his home-going in December 1980 — a total of 34 years of dedicated service.

1946-1980

1981-1988

Rev. Walter V. Pride, Jr.

Rev. Pride pastored the church from May 1981 through October 1988.

1981-1988

1989

Rev. Endia J. Scruggs

On April 30th, 1989, Rev. Scruggs was installed as pastor, becoming the first woman called to pastor an organized church in the Huntsville Presbytery. Under her pasturage, the church grew from 163 to over 800 members.

1989

2000

New Facilities

A new sanctuary, education center, and fellowship hall were completed in January 2000. Dedicatory services were held March 26, 2000.

2000

2012

Mortgage Burning

In February 2012, Madkins Chapel achieved a milestone — paying off the mortgage 3.5 years ahead of schedule. The Mortgage Burning Celebration was held April 20-22, 2012.