The Historic Brown Chapel AME Church will soon begin several renovations.

The 111-year-old building served as the headquarters of the Selma Voting Rights Movement of 1965 where many notable Civil Rights leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke.

The Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society was awarded two grants from The National Parks Service totaling $800,000.

Though the grants were received about a year-and-a-half ago, renovations are just beginning this spring.

Grant Manager Juanda Maxwell sites the buildings age as the reason for the slow progress.

“Before any construction could take place we had to wait on many different types of architectural and engineering reports,” said Maxwell. “For a 111-year-old building, we’re right on time.”

Renovations to the historic church will include structural and electrical repairs.

Maxwell says the restoration is important to preserving the historic building.

“It’s important to preserve it [Brown Chapel] so that the thousands of people who come to see can continue to enjoy it,” said Maxwell.

As to when the renovations will be completed, a timeframe hasn’t yet been given. Maxwell is awaiting a report from the National Parks Service.