Presevation Update 2024

Preserving History – The Historic St. Paul AME Church Restoration Project

Preserving History – The Historic St. Paul AME Church Restoration Project

A Beacon of Freedom and Faith

The Historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church stands as a testament to resilience, freedom, and the fight for equality. Founded in 1820 by a group of determined congregants who left Hill Street Methodist Church, the church has been a cornerstone of the community for over two centuries. Its current structure, builtin 1826, holds a hidden history a secret staircase behind the pulpit that once served as a station for the Underground Railroad, aiding enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom.

As the church approaches its bicentennial +6 in 2026, efforts are underway to preserve its storied past and ensure itslegacy is shared for generations to come.

Front Façade Restoration: Bringing History to Life

The preservation project began with the church’s front façade, a critical first step in revitalizing the building while honoring its historical significance. This work was made possible throughgrants from the 2023 Award from The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Black Church Preservation, Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky (awarded in 2021 and received in 2023 due to pandemic delays), the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission (2022 and 2023), and the Kentucky State University Foundation.

In the summer of 2024, these funds, coupled with additional resources, enabled considerable progress, including paintingthe church’s front façade and undertaking vital restoration work to preserve its historical character.

Summary of Restoration Efforts

The restoration project’s recent accomplishments include:

1.Guttering

Replacement

o Replaced the church’s aging guttering system to improve drainage and protect against water damage.

2. Brick Tuckpointing

o Repaired mortar jointsin the historicbrickwork to ensure structural integrity and preserve the church’s original aesthetic.

3. Repair and Painting of Louvre Vents on the Bell Tower

o Restored the louvre vents, enhancing functionality and historical authenticity.

4.Painting Trim on Bell Tower Windows

o Refurbished and paintedwindow trim to preserve durability and historical charm.

5. Front Door and InteriorFront Door Refurbishment

o Restored boththe exterior and interior front doors to their original state, maintaining historical accuracy.

6.Painting Trim Aroundthe Front Door

o Applied protective paint to safeguard the trim against weather exposure while maintaining visualappeal.

A Living Legacy

The preservation of the Historic St. Paul AME Church is about more than just restoring a building it is about keeping historyalive. The church’s strategic locationand design speak to its role in the fight against slavery, and its continued presence offers an educational resource for all.

As we approach the bicentennialcelebration, the churchcontinues to shine as a beacon of hopeand history, a symbol of the indomitablespirit of those who fought for freedom These restoration efforts ensure that its story can inspire future generations .

Join Us in theJourney

We invite the community to celebrate this progress and participate in upcoming bicentennial events. Together,we can honor the past, preserve the present, and inspire the future.

Formoreinformation about the Historic St. Paul AME Church and its restoration efforts, please visit our website at spame.org .

Acknowledgements

The Historic St. Paul AME Church is deeply grateful to its resolute members and the generous support from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund - Black Church Preservation, Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky, the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, and the KentuckyState University Foundation and our Consultant David Kiser of Kiser Engineering, Inc.