Dexter

R ev . Martin Lut h e r K i n g , J r .

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

The history of Dexter Avenue King

Memorial Baptist Church is traceable to the part of 1877. Early meetings were held first on High Street then at a hall on Market Street which had been used as a slave trader’s pen where masters penned slaves to await their purchases.

The site on which the present structure stands was purchased on January 30, 1879 for $270. Construction of the building began in 1883 with members sharing their energy and resources toward its erection. The first worship service was held in its basement in 1885.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1889, the first worship service was held in the upstairs sanctuary.

The handsome red brick structure stands one block from the State Capitol and bears its third name. First, it was known as Second Colored Baptist Church; then Dexter Avenue Baptist Church to relate it to the street name, which was changed from Market to Dexter to honor Montgomery’s founder, Andrew Dexter. Now, it is Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church to honor former pastor and civil rights icon, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The meeting to launch the Montgomery Bus was held in the basement of the church on December 2, 1955. Dr. King was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association and also organized the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He directed activities of the from his inside the church.

The church was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 3, 1974 and was added to Montgomery’s list of designated historic sites on July 13, 1976. Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery unveiled an historic marker on the site on June 22, 1980.

A major restoration and renovation of the building was completed in 1980 which included changing the entrance to its original style; refurbishing the interior; creating a mural depicting Dr. King’s journey from Montgomery to Memphis; and establishing a church library. The first worship service following the restoration was held on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1980. The building was rededicated on June 29, 1980.

Open for Public Tours For tour schedule, visit www.dexterkingmemorial.org Large groups please call in advance for reservations to 334-356-3494 454 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36104

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