Campbell AME Church in Media Awarded $8.5M Grant for Preservation

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Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Media, Pennsylvania has been awarded part of an $8.5 million national grant program to help preserve historically Black churches. The congregation, founded in 1827, will use the funds to nominate the church to the National Register of Historic Places and plan its 2027 bicentennial preservation campaign, supporting the long-term care of its 1931 Gothic Revival building.

Why it matters

The grant will help ensure the preservation of an important historic landmark in Media's African American community. Campbell AME Church is one of the oldest Black congregations in the area, and its 1931 building is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture. Maintaining this community asset is crucial as Media's demographics and built environment continue to evolve.

The details

The $8.5 million grant program is being administered by a national organization focused on preserving historically Black churches across the United States. Campbell AME Church plans to use its portion of the funds to formally nominate the property to the National Register of Historic Places, a key step in accessing additional preservation resources. The congregation will also begin planning its 2027 bicentennial celebration and associated preservation campaign to ensure the long-term care and maintenance of the 1931 church building.

• Campbell AME Church was founded in 1827.
• The church's current Gothic Revival building was constructed in 1931.
• Campbell AME Church will celebrate its bicentennial in 2027.

What’s next

The congregation plans to use the grant funds to formally nominate the church building to the National Register of Historic Places, a key step in accessing additional preservation resources. They will also begin planning their 2027 bicentennial celebration and associated preservation campaign.