Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
General information
Location	Selma, Alabama, United States
Design and construction
Architect(s)	A.J. Farley

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church is a historic church located in Selma, Alabama. It is a significant site in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, particularly known for its role in the events leading up to the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.

History

The church was constructed in 1908 and designed by architect A.J. Farley in the Romanesque Revival style. It has served as a central place of worship and community gathering for African Americans in Selma.

During the 1960s, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church became a focal point for the civil rights movement. It was the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery marches, which were pivotal in the fight for voting rights for African Americans. The first of these marches, known as "Bloody Sunday," took place on March 7, 1965, when peaceful protesters were violently confronted by law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church was not only a place of worship but also a strategic meeting place for civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and others. The church provided a safe haven for activists and served as a planning center for the marches and other civil rights activities.

The church's basement and meeting rooms were used for training sessions and strategy meetings. It was here that activists organized and prepared for the marches that would eventually lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Architecture

The church is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture, characterized by its rounded arches and robust appearance. The building features twin towers and a large sanctuary that can accommodate a significant congregation. Its architectural style and historical significance have made it a landmark in Selma.

Preservation

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 4, 1982, recognizing its importance in American history and architecture. Efforts have been made to preserve the church as a historical site and to maintain its role as a place of worship and community service.

See also

• Selma to Montgomery marches
• Voting Rights Act of 1965
• Edmund Pettus Bridge

References

• "Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church". National Park Service. Retrieved October 10, 2023.

External links

• National Park Service: Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church