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The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church Legacy  Foundation, Inc. received a $150,000 grant  from the African American Cultural  Heritage Action Fund on Jan. 15.

The funds, which came from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will help the church replace its deteriorated lead-coated copper dome roof which was damaged by severe weather and a January 2023 tornado. 

Dr. Verdell Lett Dawson, Board Chairman of the  Historic Tabernacle Legacy Foundation said they appreciate the donation.

 “We are grateful that the Preserving Black Churches program recognizes and supports the significant  role that Black churches contribute to Black culture,” Lett said. “As the site of the First Mass Meeting of the Voting Rights Movement, the Tabernacle Classical Revival edifice can now stand for decades to point the way to  generations of today and tomorrows to come.’’

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, said historic churches need to remain intact.

“We created the Preserving Black Churches program to ensure the historic Black church’s legacy is told and secured,” Leggs said cultural assets can continue to foster community resilience and drive meaningful change in society.

“We couldn’t be more excited to honor our second round of grantees and ensure that African Americans – and our entire nation – can enjoy an empowered future built on  the inspiring foundations of our past,” Leggs said.