Parker House History

Built by Duncan T. Parker

Duncan T. Parker built the house on 330 E 6th Street for himself and his family. He was a prominent businessman, hand picked to join the effort to build industries in Anniston.

It doesn’t appear that Mr. Parker lived in the house for long, because he suffered great family tragedy in the death of his son and wife.

Twelfth Street Baptist Church changed its name to Parker Memorial Baptist Church in October, 1889, after Duncan T. Parker founder and first President of First National Bank in Anniston, suffered a tragic loss. Both his young son and his wife Cornelia, the first organist of Twelfth Street, died within the same year. Mr. Parker offered to pay for the new sanctuary as a memorial to his wife. Sadly, he died before the $85,000 building was completed. The stained glass windows on the north and south sides of the sanctuary were gifts to the church from Mr. Parker.

Duncan Parker, son of Mr. D. T. Parker, of Anniston, died of pneumonia, Tuesday after an illness of twenty-five days. He was an only son. He was greatly beloved by the people of Anniston for his quick intelligence and bright and winning ways. The sympathies of friends of the parents here go out to them in this hour of their great loss and sad bereavement. Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Alabama, 30 March 1889, page 2, column 1

Mrs. D. T. Parker, of Anniston, died Sunday morning, the 21st inst of pneumonia, the same disease which had, but a short while before carried off an idolized son. Following the death of her son came the critical illness of one of her daughters over whom she watched until she was out of danger. These constant and anxious vigils weakened her powers of resistance and when the fell disease struck her, she became an easy prey. She was a most estimable, christian lady and was greatly beloved in Anniston, where she was known for her unobtrusive charities and kindness of heart. The husband and father has the heartfelt sympathy of friends throughout the State in his deep affliction. Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Alabama, 27 April 1889, page 2, column 1