Reverend Eli Patton founded the original Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Triana in 1878. Later, he served as pastor of St. Bartley’s Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, a role he held for many years. St. Bartley’s is the oldest African American congregation in the State of Alabama. In addition to his church duties, Rev. Patton served on the Grand Jury for the Federal, District, and Circuit Courts in 1881. In 1883, he was elected School Trustee for the township of Triana, Alabama. Reverend Patton served as president on the Board of Trustees of the Huntsville Graded and Industrial School, helping to establish the school, secure the land. 

Reverend Elias Patton spent much of his 68 years on this earth leading and caring for others, preaching the Word of God. The local paper, The Huntsville Times, announced at his death in 1916 that he was “one of the best known colored citizens in the county” and that “he was liked by both white and colored.” Elder Patton was married to Frances Patton and had two children, Emma and Edward.

Reverend Eli Patton founded the original Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Triana in 1878. Later, he served as pastor of St. Bartley’s Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, a role he held for many years. St. Bartley’s is the oldest African American congregation in the State of Alabama and is one of the oldest African American congregations in the United States. Reverend Patton’s far-reaching legacy derives from his service as Moderator of the Indian Creek Baptist Association and nationally as Treasurer of the National Association of Colored Primitive Baptists. His sermon in 1908 from Timothy, first chapter, ninth verse, “Who has called us, not to our own work, but according to His holy purpose” a message ending one of the meetings of the National Association’s Second Convention encouraged more than 1,500 people who attended that day.

The Indian Creek Baptist Association was one of the largest in the United States. At times as many as 10,000 members from around the south were in attendance at regional meetings held in this area. As moderator, Reverend Patton was recognized with special honors and given great respect by other elders and members of the church. He also led the effort to secure land and build a memorial building, the home of the publicity department and executive offices for the National Association of Colored Primitive Baptists.

In addition to his church duties, Rev. Patton served on the Grand Jury for the Federal, District, and Circuit Courts in 1881. In 1883, he was elected School Trustee for the township of Triana, Alabama. Reverend Patton served as president on the Board of Trustees of the Huntsville Graded and Industrial School, helping to establish the school, secure the land. Alongside these responsibilities, he worked full-time for 25 years at the U.S. Courthouse and Post Office in Huntsville, where he served as janitor, and later head janitor. His business, The Herald Publishing Company, opened doors and spread knowledge to many in and outside the community. The primary, intermediate and higher grades of the Colored Primitive Institute, opened in 1894 under his leadership.

Reverend Patton’s funeral, held at St. Bartley’s Primitive Baptist Church, was attended by preachers from three states, a testament to his far-reaching impact. His obituary praised him for his “life of busy activity, working always for the betterment of his race and the cultivation of a thorough understanding between the white and colored people.” Reverend Patton was survived by his wife and children. The Huntsville Gazette commended his work, ability and character.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat, (Huntsville, AL), October 4, 1916.

Alabama, US Deaths 1908-1959 Index, Ancestry.com.

Huntsville Weekly Democrat (Huntsville, AL), Wed Oct 3, 1894.

1880 US Census, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

The Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, AL), Saturday, Aug 27, 1892.

Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, AL), Aug 11, 1883.

Huntsville Daily Times (Huntsville, AL), Oct 2, 1916.

Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, AL), April 2, 1892.

The Journal (Huntsville, AL), June 26, 1896.

The Journal (Huntsville, AL), April 2, 1897.

The Journal (Huntsville, AL), Dec 24, 1897.

Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, AL), Oct 8, 1881.

US City Directories 1822-1995, Ancestry.com.

FindaGrave, Ancestry.com.