30 Historic Black Churches Receive $8.5M in Grants for Preservation

Rev. Dr. Titus Thorn, representing the AME Zion Church Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina, highlighted the denomination’s historical role as “The Freedom Church.” The African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church, founded in 1796, has long been a champion of abolition, civil rights, and spiritual empowerment. Its historic members include Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Frederick Douglass. The grant will assist in establishing a denomination-wide Preservation Endowment to ensure the continued preservation and maintenance of historic AME Zion churches across the United States.

Alex Reynolds, representing Soapstone Baptist Church in Marietta, South Carolina, shared the congregation’s legacy. Established in 1865 within a free Black community known as Liberia in the Appalachian region, the church faced the loss of its original building to arson in 1967. The congregation rebuilt in 1968, and the church, along with the one-room schoolhouse on its grounds, remains a testament to the Liberia community’s history. The funding will support an endowment for annual maintenance, building insurance, and the hiring of a preservation manager.

Audrey Watkins, representing West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, noted the congregation’s founding in 1881 under Rev. Alex Allen. The church purchased its current building, formerly known as West End Baptist Church, in 1972 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ralph Ab. The grant will aid in preserving the historic site and ensuring its continued use as a community hub.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund announced the 2025 Preserving Black Churches (PBC) program cohort, which includes 30 historically Black churches receiving a total of $8.5 million in grants. This marks the largest collective grant award in the program’s history, made possible through the support of the Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Black Church has played a foundational role in American history and culture, serving as a center for spiritual, social, and political life. These grants aim to protect and restore these vital institutions, ensuring their legacies endure for future generations. The initiative reflects a commitment to preserving the rich heritage and contributions of Black communities throughout the nation.

The funding will support a range of preservation efforts, from structural restoration to enhanced stewardship planning. By investing in these churches, the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to honor the enduring impact of Black religious institutions on American society. The grants also underscore the importance of community-led preservation efforts, empowering congregations to safeguard their historical and cultural assets.

Through these grants, the National Trust for Historic Preservation continues its mission to protect places where Black history has unfolded. The support for these churches aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to preserve the legacy of justice and faith. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God, these efforts reflect a commitment to these enduring values.

Source: Read the original report