MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A number of foundations have donated $1.5 million to assist rebuild after arson gutted a historic Black church in Memphis, Tennessee, that performed an essential position within the civil rights motion.
Clayborn Temple had been present process a yearslong renovation when somebody deliberately set a hearth contained in the church within the early hours of April 28, destroying virtually all the things however elements of the facade.
Earlier than the hearth, the Romanesque revival church was within the midst of a $25 million restoration undertaking that included restoring a 3,000-pipe grand organ. The undertaking additionally sought to assist revitalize the neighborhood with a museum, cultural programing and group outreach.
Regardless of the in depth harm, Anasa Troutman, govt director of Historic Clayborn Temple, has mentioned they plan to proceed transferring ahead with the restoration. Troutman introduced the brand new donations for that effort Wednesday. The cash comes from the African American Cultural Heritage Motion Fund together with the Mellon and Ford foundations.
Situated simply south of the enduring Beale Avenue, Clayborn Temple was in-built 1892 because the Second Presbyterian Church and initially served an all-white congregation. In 1949, the constructing was bought to an African Methodist Episcopal congregation and given its present identify. In 1968, the church served because the headquarters for a sanitation staff’ strike, which introduced the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to Memphis, the place he was assassinated.
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