Mount Gilead Baptist Church, the oldest operating African American Baptist church in Fort Worth, will be preserved as a performing arts center. Alvin Brown, the owner of Airport Field Services LLC, announced his intent to purchase the building and renovate it for future use.

Preserving History

Brown wants to honor the church’s legacy by preserving its character and defining features. The renovations will adapt the space for renewed public use, including live music, theater, spoken word, visual arts programming, and cultural events.

The church, located at Grove and East 5th streets, has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s African American history for 150 years. It has served as a hub for the community, providing a space for people to gather, learn, and create.

Community Engagement

Brown plans to collaborate with local artists, emerging art students, and other Fort Worth art institutions to create a vibrant cultural scene. The performing arts center will contribute to the creative future of downtown Fort Worth, providing a space for people to come together and experience various art forms.

The project is still in its early stages, but Brown has ideas for ways to invite the community into the space, including a jazz series, school tours, and storytelling. He aims to create a space that is sustainable and resilient, just like the church’s history.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.