The Seay African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, established in 1869 in Alexandria, Tennessee, stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the African American community during the Reconstruction era. Founded on land deeded by the city, the church served not only as a place of worship but also as a school and cemetery, becoming a cornerstone for education, spiritual life, and community cohesion. In 1931, the original structure was replaced with a new building featuring distinctive rock-faced masonry. Notably, W.E.B. Du Bois attended services at Seay Chapel while teaching at the nearby Wheeler School during his undergraduate years at Fisk University, an experience he later reflected upon in his seminal work, The Souls of Black Folk . Today, Seay Chapel remains a symbol of the enduring legacy and cultural heritage of Alexandria’s African American community.
Alexandria Historic Cemeteries District 