Friends of Town Clock Church in New Albany fundraising to preserve piece of history
Town Clock Church "Preservation Forever Capital Campaign" will eliminate need the for fundraising efforts for building maintenance.
Town Clock Church "Preservation Forever Capital Campaign" will eliminate need the for fundraising efforts for building maintenance.
Town Clock Church "Preservation Forever Capital Campaign" will eliminate need the for fundraising efforts for building maintenance.
A historic church in downtown New Albany, known as the Second Baptist Church or the Town Clock Church, is seeking assistance to preserve an important piece of history. This church was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and its preservation efforts are gaining attention.
The church, which is 173 years old, along with its connected nonprofit, has spent approximately $2 million on repairs and maintenance in recent years. They are now launching a campaign to avoid relying on donors every time work needs to be done.
"It's pivotal in making sure that this landmark remains in this community," said
Kimberly Goode, a member of the Friends of Town Clock Church board of directors.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation of Black Churches has awarded them a $200,000 matching grant, but they still need to raise $75,000 more to secure it.
"We were elated to have the opportunity to have this type of funding, potentially to ensure that we are able to maintain this phenomenal church and preserve the history of this church," Goode added.
Board member Jerry Finn said donors have stepped up time and again over the years, and they're preparing to secure the church's future.
"We've already had an endowment started, and so that will ensure that we can always maintain this historic building," Finn said.
Chancey Roberts guides tours at the church 맥스카지노 its historical significance is highlighted by the space under the church.
"Freedom seekers, they would come down in here. It will be pitch dark down here. You didn't know who was friend or foe," Roberts said.
LeRoy Marshall, a pastor, said much of the current sociopolitical climate underscores the church's importance as a landmark.
"Things that happened in the Civil War, many of them history repeating itself. We have people that do not want to hear the history, want things like they used to be," he said.
The church continues to serve as a vital educational and historical site, with efforts underway to ensure its preservation for future generations.