The story of the Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy is one of steadfast faith, perseverance, and renewal—a congregation that has literally risen from the storm more than once. From its founding in 1925 to its centennial this October, the church’s journey reflects both the strength of its members and the faithfulness of the God they serve.
The congregation was first organized on October 12, 1925, under the leadership of L. A. Moxley, who also served as the state overseer at that time. In those early years, members gathered in a modest wooden structure affectionately known as the “White Wood Church.” It was a humble beginning, yet one filled with spiritual fervor and a deep commitment to spreading the gospel throughout the small town of Hackleburg, Alabama, and surrounding areas.
Tragedy struck in the 1940s when a tornado swept through the community and destroyed the White Wood Church. Though the storm took their building, it could not shake their faith. The members regrouped, rebuilding both physically and spiritually, determined to continue the mission God had set before them. Their story would soon become one of many that testifies to Hackleburg’s enduring spirit.
In 1958, under the leadership of Pastor Clyde Love, the congregation constructed a new block church building—a solid, enduring structure that represented not only physical security but also the stability and growth of the church. The people of Hackleburg had endured loss before, and with each new season came renewed strength and purpose. The block building became a center for worship, fellowship, and outreach in the small North Alabama community for the next several decades.
A decade later, in 1968, the congregation completed the construction of a parsonage during the pastorate of J. C. Trammel. This milestone provided a permanent home for pastors who served the congregation, strengthening the church’s ministry and presence in the community. The addition of the parsonage was a witness to the church’s growing stability and its commitment to care for those who cared for them.
Over the years, Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy continued to flourish. Members weathered changes in leadership, cultural shifts, and the inevitable challenges of small-town ministry. Yet, through every test, the congregation remained faithful to its calling—to worship God, to proclaim His Word, and to serve the people of Hackleburg.
In 2009, under the leadership of Pastor Clint Knowles, a new and modern church building was constructed and dedicated on April 11, 2009. The dedication service was a joyous occasion—a celebration of what God had done and a hopeful look toward the future. Few could have imagined, however, the test of faith that lay just ahead.
On April 27, 2011, an F-5 tornado tore through Hackleburg, leaving unimaginable devastation in its wake. The storm destroyed the church building, claimed the lives of several members, and decimated much of the surrounding town. In a single day, years of labor and love were reduced to rubble. Yet even amid unspeakable loss, the congregation clung to their hope in Christ. The physical destruction could not silence their worship nor extinguish their light.
What followed was a remarkable season of rebuilding— of both structures and spirits. Through prayer, generosity, and a deep sense of unity, the Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy rose once more. On May 5, 2012, just one year after the disaster, the congregation held a dedication service for their newly rebuilt church. The sanctuary towered up from the ground, joyously proclaiming the reality of resurrection. It was tangible evidence that faith remains (1 Corinthians 13:13) even after the fiercest storms.
Today, a century after its founding, the Hackleburg Church of God of Prophecy continues to stand as a beacon of faith in Marion County. Its story is one of beginnings and renewals, of sorrow and triumph, and of a people who have learned, time and again, that God’s grace is greater than any trial. As the congregation looks toward its next 100 years, they do so with gratitude for their past and unwavering confidence in God, who has been faithful through it all.