During the early 1800s, pioneers from Georgia and the Carolinas, many of whose families immigrated to this country from Scotland and Ireland, settled in Monroe County. They named their community Scotland because of the land’s resemblance to the settlers’ native country.
In 1823, members of the Scotland community established a Presbyterian congregation. The congregation’s first church building was constructed with logs. It was replaced in 1837 by the current small wooden frame building. This church, now known as the Old Scotland Presbyterian Church, is essentially unchanged from when it was constructed and remains without additions, electricity, or plumbing. The church’s cemetery has graves of several Civil War soldiers. This church was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on May 23, 1988.
The community of Scotland was remotely located on a dirt road and most of its residents had moved to nearby towns that were more assessable by the 1920s, which forced the church to discontinue its Presbyterian services. Descendants of the former church members continue to have reunions at the church. These include an annual homecoming that includes a worship service and “dinner on the grounds”. Entertainment occasionally includes the playing of bagpipes. Invitations to the annual homecomings recommend bringing folding chairs, sunscreen, and bug spray. Porta-potties are rented for these occasions since the church has no plumbing. On the 2023 Annual Homecoming, the church celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of the church. For additional details, visit facebook.com/OldScotlandPresbyterianChurch .
The Old Scotland Presbyterian Church is located north of Monroeville on a gravel road 2-3 miles off CR 42 near the community of Tunnel Springs (31.667694,-87.273583 – Google Maps).
Source: Monroe County Heritage Museum Driving Tour II