The Preacher’s Wife weaves a tale of faith, love, and divine intervention. In the heart of Harlem stands a 1920s African American Baptist church, a testament to generations of faith and community. But this sacred space faces an uncertain future—a threat that resonates with our mission at The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Reverend Henry Biggs, pastor of this struggling church, grapples with dwindling membership, financial woes, and the relentless pressure from real estate developer Joe Hamilton. Hamilton’s vision? Luxury condominiums on the church’s hallowed grounds. The stakes are high, and the congregation’s heritage hangs in the balance.
Our organization, committed to safeguarding Georgia’s historic treasures, recognizes that historic preservation is more than bricks and mortar—it’s about saving the intrinsic value of a place and community. The Georgia Trust works to achieve this by preserving and revitalizing Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocating for their appreciation, protection, and use.
When it comes to historic Black churches, our national counterpart, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, puts it perfectly: “As the oldest institutions created and controlled by African Americans, Black churches are a living testament to the achievements and resiliency of generations in the face of a racialized and inequitable society.” Recognizing this significance, the National Trust has developed an excellent grant program to aid these historic churches. In Georgia, we work to meet the needs of these and other resources of underrepresented history via targeted programs like our African American Preservation Program and the West Atlanta Preservation Initiative. Through educational and hands-on assistance, we provide historic African American resources with successful tools for preservation. We also work with the National Trust and partners around the state and the country to aid historic resources, whatever their specific needs may be.
We are honored to partner with the Alliance Theatre to shine a light on the challenges and opportunities for historic preservation in Georgia. Like Dudley, the witty angel in The Preacher’s Wife, we believe in the transformative power of collective action. Together, let’s write a new chapter—one where historic churches thrive and where legacies are preserved. Discover more about The Georgia Trust and how you can get involved at www.georgiatrust.org.
Above: The Historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, best known for its connection with Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, who served as its pastor from 1961 to 1973. Currently owned by the Ralph David Abernathy III Foundation, the property received funding from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund African American Civil Rights Program and restoration efforts are currently underway. The Georgia Trust protects the building for future generations through a conservation easement and provides annual inspections and recommendations for its preservation.