Museum
Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall
About Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall
Category: Point of Interest
Type: Museum
🪖 Distance to Redstone Arsenal: 21.6 miles
✈️ Distance to Huntsville International Airport: 15.5 miles
✈️ Distance to Nashville International Airport: 92.3 miles
Body for Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall
Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall is a Museum located in Limestone County, which is in the geographic Greater Huntsville Area in Northern Alabama. It is a Point of Interest in Athens. Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall is located at 300 N Beaty St , Athens, AL 35611, in zip code 35611, with the nearest city/town being Athens.
If you are looking for a home close to Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall or in the Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall area, Jessica Hassan is the realtor to choose. She can help you find a home in Athens, Limestone, Greater Huntsville Area, and across the entire Northern Alabama region.
Content for Altar Of The New Testament And Founders Hall
About the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall
Located at Athens State University in Athens, Alabama, the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall is housed within Founders Hall—the oldest building on the campus, built in the 1840s. This historic Greek Revival structure serves as a central landmark and home to a remarkable carved wooden altar depicting scenes from the New Testament.
What Exhibits & Collections does the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall have?
The centerpiece is a life-size altar composed of intricately carved tulipwood panels, illustrating characters and scenes from the New Testament. Completed over a 12-year period by alumna Eunice McDonald Meadows after her 1970 donation, the carvings include depictions of Christ, the four Evangelists, Isaiah, St. Peter, and St. Paul. Founders Hall also includes an elegant chapel and parlor used for events and community gatherings within the university.
What is the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall known for?
It is best known for its stunning wooden carvings—considered a masterpiece of local craftsmanship and a symbol of spiritual heritage at Athens State University. The altar’s creation by a devoted alumna in her later years adds a deeply personal legacy, giving it unique historical and artistic significance in Limestone County.
Does the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall offer Community & Education focused programs?
Yes. As part of Athens State University, Founders Hall is a site for educational tours, university ceremonies, and heritage programming. While the altar itself isn’t part of a museum tour, the space hosts campus events, chapel services, and guided visits that highlight its history and artistry.
What are the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall Hours and Admissions?
- Hours: Open Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, matching campus operating hours. Access may vary during holidays or university breaks.
- Admission: Free to the public, as part of the Athens State University campus grounds. Public tours typically require prior arrangement with the university’s events office.
Where can I learn more about the Altar of the New Testament and Founders Hall?
Founders Hall is located at 300 N. Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Athens State University at (256) 233‑8100 or visit the university’s official website and Athens Visitors Center pages, which provide details on heritage tours and chapel access.

