In the Receding Shadow of the Plantation: A Profile of Rural Clergy and Churches in the Black Belt

Abstract

Black churches have been among the most dominant and influential institutions throughout the history of black people in the United States. Yet there have been very few empirical studies of these churches. Reliable statistical data about both urban and rural black churches are practically nonexistent. There is even less information about rural churches since the last major study was done in 1950. The majority of black churches were rural institutions throughout most of their history. This study presents a statistical profile of the largest known sample of 619 rural churches and 363 clergy in selected "black belt " counties of the South. An overview of the impact on rural churches of both the black migrations from the South and the Civil Rights movement is given. The demographic profile examines the education, income, and benefits of rural clergy and the membership, finances, internal maintenance programs, and community outreach programs of rural churches. The results are examined in comparative perspective with past studies of rural black churches where it is feasible. The article concludes with an examination of present demographic trends and their probable impact upon the future of rural churches and clergy.