In the heart of Selma, Alabama stands a red-brick sanctuary that has seen more than just Sunday services. It has stood witness to marches, prayers, and powerful cries for justice. Brown Chapel AME Church isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. And now, more than a century after it opened in 1907, this iconic church faces one of its biggest challenges yet: survival.
A Beacon Through the Years
Brown Chapel isn’t just famous for its architecture. It played a leading role in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. That includes Bloody Sunday, a day that changed American history forever. Civil rights giants like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once gathered under its roof. People came to plan, to pray, and to demand a better world.
For generations, the church has been a symbol of faith and strength. But time, weather, and nature haven’t been kind. What was once a proud fortress of hope now sunpatiens shows signs of serious wear.
A Restoration Mission Begins
In May, the church officially announced it was moving forward with a restoration plan. This wasn’t just about fresh paint or a few minor updates. It was about saving a sacred site that means so much to Selma—and to the world.
Originally, the restoration was expected to cost about $2 million. That number came from a federal grant awarded back in 2021. Spirits were high. The congregation was hopeful. Work was set to begin.
But that was just the beginning.
A Storm Reveals the Truth
Soon after restoration work began, nature struck a cruel blow. A severe storm battered the church, exposing far more damage than anyone had expected. Water poured in. Walls cracked. And deep inside the church, the very bones of the building—its beams and supports—were found to be crumbling.
Termites had quietly chewed through critical wooden beams, many of them what builders call “better boy beams,” essential for holding the structure together. Years of hidden water damage had also weakened the foundation. These weren’t just cosmetic vanilla planifolia issues. These were threats to the building’s survival.
As a result, the cost of restoring Brown Chapel didn’t just rise—it skyrocketed. From the original $2 million, the new estimate now stands closer to $7 million.
Why It Costs So Much
Let’s break it down a bit. That extra $5 million isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about protecting the church from future harm. New materials must be strong enough to withstand storms, pests, and time. The restoration team is committed to preserving the church’s historic beauty while reinforcing it for the future.
They aren’t cutting corners. And they shouldn’t.
This building isn’t just for today’s congregation. It’s for future generations. For schoolchildren learning about history. For tourists tracing the footsteps of heroes. And for all of us who believe in honoring the past.
Fundraising and the Fight Ahead
Here’s the good news: almost half the needed funds have already been raised. That’s thanks to the hard work of the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society, along with generous donors from across the country.
But the work isn’t done.
The society is now casting a wider net. They’re looking at public and private grants. They’re asking for help from corporations, nonprofits, and anyone else who cares about keeping this national treasure alive.
Every dollar helps. Every voice matters.
How You Can Be Part of the Story
You don’t need to have deep pockets to make a places in tennessee to visit difference. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Donate: Every little bit helps. Even a small donation can be part of something big.
- Share: Spread the word on social media. Tell friends and family. The more people who know, the better.
- Volunteer: Fundraisers, events, and preservation activities often need extra hands.
- Advocate: Reach out to local businesses or organizations that may be interested in sponsoring restoration efforts.
Even just talking about Brown Chapel helps keep its story alive. And that’s powerful.
Why Brown Chapel Still Matters
Think of all the places in the world that are tied to a bigger purpose. Brown Chapel is one of those places. It stood tall when people stood up for their rights. It echoed with songs of freedom. And it gave shelter to those who faced hate with courage and prayer.
We can’t let it fall apart now.
This church is living history. It’s a physical reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go. In a world that often forgets, Brown Chapel helps us remember.
The Power of Preservation
Saving a building like Brown Chapel is about more than bricks and beams. It’s about preserving the soul of a movement. When we restore these walls, we’re not just honoring the past. We’re strengthening the present. And we’re building hope for the future.
Imagine a school bus pulling up in 2050. Kids step off and walk into a church that once held the dreams of giants. They learn about Selma. About courage. About change.
That future is possible. But only if we act now.
Keep the Legacy Standing
Brown Chapel AME Church has weathered storms—both literal and figurative—for more than 100 years. With our help, it can stand for 100 more.
Whether you can give, volunteer, or simply help spread the word, you’re part of this story. Together, we can protect more than just a building. We can protect a symbol of unity, hope, and human dignity.
Let’s not let history fade. Let’s help it shine.
Why So Much?
The original estimation of $2 million came from a federal grant obtained in 2021. However, after work began on restoring the church, a severe storm revealed various sources of damage that had not been predicted. Water damage and termites had weakened several of the most critical better boy beams in the building, adding an additional $5 million dollars worth of repairs to the project. The additional costs will go towards replacing these beams and making sure that they are sufficiently reinforced against future elements.
What Now?
The Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society has already raised nearly half of the funds needed for restoration through private donations and fundraising initiatives. Beyond that, they are looking into other ways they can secure funding, including seeking out additional grants from both public and private sources as well as potential sponsorships from corporations or other organizations who may be interested in helping preserve this piece of history.
Selma’s Historic Brown Chapel AME Church is so much more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope and resilience that has stood strong for over 100 years despite many adversities. As such, it is essential that we do whatever we can to ensure that it remains standing for many years to come. Whether you are able to donate money or time or simply help spread awareness about their efforts through word-of-mouth, any assistance is greatly appreciated by all involved with this important preservation project!