Historic Alabama church finds new home after 95 years

First Baptist Church of Woodlawn breaks ground on a new sanctuary along a busy Birmingham thoroughfare.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a church steeple repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a palette of neon pink, electric blue, and highlighter yellow, conceptually representing the fresh start and modern aesthetic of the new First Baptist Church of Woodlawn building.The vibrant new home of a historic Birmingham church celebrates its 95-year legacy with a bold, contemporary design.Today in Birmingham

After losing its historic church building in a fire in 1987, the First Baptist Church of Woodlawn in Birmingham, Alabama has been meeting in temporary spaces for the past seven years. The congregation is now constructing a new 172-seat sanctuary and fellowship hall on a one-acre lot along First Avenue North, with plans to move in before the end of 2026 as they celebrate their 95th anniversary.

Why it matters

The relocation of First Baptist Church of Woodlawn represents a significant milestone for the 95-year-old congregation, which has persevered through the loss of its original church building. The new location on a busy thoroughfare aims to increase visibility and accessibility for the community, signaling a fresh start for the historic church.

The details

Construction on the new sanctuary for First Baptist Church of Woodlawn began on March 28 and is progressing quickly. The new building will feature a 172-seat sanctuary, a fellowship hall with a kitchen, administrative offices, a conference room, and two bathrooms. The one-acre lot will also provide 46 parking spaces. Since 2019, the congregation has been meeting at the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Avondale while their previous building was sold to a private charter school.

  • The church was founded in 1931.
  • The congregation will celebrate its 95th anniversary in May 2026.
  • Construction on the new building began on March 28, 2026.
  • The congregation hopes to move into the new building before the end of 2026.

The players

First Baptist Church of Woodlawn

A 95-year-old church congregation in Birmingham, Alabama that is constructing a new sanctuary and fellowship hall after losing its historic building in a fire in 1987.

Rev. Perry Macon

The pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodlawn since June 2000, who is leading the congregation through the relocation process.

Rev. Odie Hoover III

The pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodlawn from 1980 to 1999, who led the church in buying a new building after the original church was destroyed by fire.

i3 Academy

A private charter school that purchased the former West Woodlawn Baptist Church building from First Baptist Church of Woodlawn in 2019 and converted it to house their middle school.

Mount Lebanon Baptist Church

The church in Avondale where First Baptist Church of Woodlawn has been meeting in the fellowship hall while their new building is under construction.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think we could have done better. First Avenue is a main thoroughfare, high-traffic area. It exposes us to traffic passing through and is a good location for the community.”

— Rev. Perry Macon, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Woodlawn

“It's taken us seven years to get to this point. We have attendance of about 45 to 55 people each week.”

— Rev. Perry Macon, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Woodlawn

What’s next

The congregation hopes to be in the new building before the end of 2026, in time to celebrate their 95th anniversary.

The takeaway

The relocation of First Baptist Church of Woodlawn represents a resilient community's commitment to preserving its historic roots and adapting to changing times. After losing its original church building, the congregation has persevered to establish a new home that will increase its visibility and accessibility, setting the stage for the next chapter in the church's nearly century-long legacy.