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The historic 16th Street Baptist Church, a vital landmark in the Birmingham Civil Rights District, has been awarded a $2.5 million preservation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. The funding will support the church’s “Preservation and Expansion Project,” aimed at transforming the site into a dynamic center for education, reflection, and social engagement. The initiative includes the preservation of the church’s historic spaces and the creation of a new Education and Visitors Center to serve as “a living sermon,” offering opportunities for learning, connection, and action.
The church plans to integrate religious themes into its exhibitions and programs, exploring faith’s role in historical and modern social justice efforts. The project also envisions expanded outreach to engage a larger audience, fostering dialogue and understanding on critical issues. Rev. Arthur Price, pastor of the church, described the initiative as an opportunity to inspire transformative change: “Our goal is to create an educational and inspirational experience that deepens understanding of faith’s role in shaping lives and communities. We hope to empower individuals, challenge prejudices, and inspire action toward a more inclusive and just society.”
Since its founding in 1873, as the First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham, the church has been a cornerstone of the Black community, hosting prominent visitors and playing a key role in the civil rights movement. In 1963, the church became a tragic yet galvanizing symbol of the fight for equality when a bombing perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan killed four young girls and injured 22 others. This act of domestic terrorism drew national attention, contributing to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Over the years, the church has earned numerous distinctions for its historic significance. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, and incorporated into the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in 2017. In November 2024, the church received the National Trust for Historic Places Trustee Emeritus Award for Historic Site Stewardship. The $2.5 million grant will enhance its ability to welcome thousands of visitors annually, expanding its multimedia exhibits and repurposing its parsonage to provide a deeper exploration of its architectural and cultural heritage.
The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s broader effort to support 33 organizations across the United States in exploring religion’s influence on history and culture. Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion, emphasized the importance of this work: “We are excited to support organizations like 16th Street Baptist Church as they help visitors understand and appreciate the diverse religious beliefs, practices, and perspectives that shape our communities and world.”
Founded in 1937, Lilly Endowment Inc. funds programs in community development, education, and religion, with a focus on fostering collaboration and understanding across religious and cultural divides. This latest investment ensures that 16th Street Baptist Church will continue its dual mission as an active house of worship and a symbol of faith’s enduring power to inspire justice and equality.
