February 25th 2025.
A recent press release from BLACK ENTERPRISE announced that the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has awarded $8.5 million in grants to 30 historically Black churches of various denominations. This is part of the third annual Preserving Black Churches grant program, which is a $60 million initiative aimed at helping church leadership and their congregations preserve their legacies and historic significance. The grants, which range from $50,000 to $500,000, will assist these churches in addressing crucial preservation issues such as potential demolition, deferred maintenance, and more. Additionally, the funds will provide resources for stewardship plans, asset management, and fundraising efforts.
These churches hold a special place in American history and are often considered the heart of their communities. They have served as places of faith and refuge during times of social change and are seen as symbols of resilience and strength. Brent Leggs, the executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Fund, expressed his honor in being able to support the ongoing legacies of these churches. He believes that preserving these sites will not only honor their past but also inspire future generations.
The 2025 grant recipients include notable churches such as St. Paul United AME Church and Historic Bethel Baptist Church Community in Birmingham, Alabama, Boynton United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, and the A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Other recipients, like New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, and Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens County, South Carolina, have also received funding. Soapstone Baptist Church, in particular, received $250,000 in grants, and its site includes a church, one-room school, slave cemetery, and rock outcrops with historical significance to the Cherokee nation.
The Soapstone Preservation Endowment, along with the funding from the PBC program, will help protect what church leaders describe as a "special place in South Carolina history." Carlton Owen, the chairman of the Soapstone Preservation Endowment, expressed gratitude for the generous award and the progress made in preserving this significant site. He also mentioned their faith in obtaining the remaining $200,000 needed to secure its protection and promotion.
In addition to these efforts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has also partnered with Black churches to continue outreach on important issues, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These partnerships reflect the shared values of preserving history and serving communities, and the trust believes that these collaborations will have a positive impact on both fronts.
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