11
A Tragedy at Court Street Baptist Church occurred on the night of October 16, 1878. The church was filled to capacity for revival services when someone outside threw a stone or brick through an upper window. In the confusion and commotion, some believed the gallery was collapsing and others yelled "Fire!" The congregation panicked, frantically rushing for the stairs and doors. Eight women were either trampled to death or, like Maria Wilson, killed by jumping from the second-story gallery windows. Wilson (1861-1878) is buried nearby.