Bethel A.M.E. Church In 1867, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church purchased the “Stray Pen Lots”, lots number 54 and 55 on Henry Clay Street for $150. The first church on the site was built in 1868, with the present, Gothic-influenced building reconstructed in 1916, reusing bricks from the first church.  It was added to the … Bethel A.M.E. Church

1869 Solar Eclipse In 1869, Shelbyville was the place to be. Our town was considered the premier viewing area along the path from Alaska to North Carolina. Various railways offered special round trip tickets for around $3.00 each, labeling the route as an “Excursion to the Sun”. Vendors came from miles away to sell their … 1869 Solar Eclipse