When you step inside St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at Bute and Church streets, the near‑140‑year‑old sanctuary immediately reminds you why it has long been a beacon for Norfolk’s Black community. The beautiful, historic building, however, has suffered years of water infiltration, mold, and damage that forced the congregation to worship elsewhere.
Grants to Jump‑Start a $1 Million Restoration
Rev. Christian Savage, pastor of St. John’s for the past five years, announced that the church has secured two significant grants to begin the long‑awaited restoration. The Virginia Historic Preservation Fund for Black, Indigenous and People of Color awarded $522,000, while the National Fund for Sacred Places contributed a matching grant of $163,000. Together, the funds cover roughly two‑thirds of the estimated $1 million needed to bring the sanctuary back to its former glory.
“Altogether, it will probably take about a million dollars,” Rev. Savage said. “The grants are a huge blessing, but we still need the community’s help to close the gap.”
Why the Restoration Matters
St. John’s AME is more than a historic structure; it houses artifacts that trace the deep roots of African‑American faith in Virginia. Among the treasures are the journal of the first Virginia annual conference of the AME church, held in 1867, and the very pulpit from which Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice, spoke in 1939. Preserving these items and the building itself safeguards a tangible link to the struggle and triumph of Black Virginians.
Challenges Ahead
The damage is extensive. Years of water intrusion have left mold stains, ceiling holes, and ripped‑out carpet throughout the sanctuary. While the congregation has been meeting in an alternate room, Rev. Savage hopes the restored church will be ready for worship by 2027.
“We have dealt with water infiltration for many, many years. Unfortunately, during the COVID pandemic, a lot of those problems accelerated,” he explained. The restoration will address structural repairs, replace damaged interior finishes, and upgrade systems to protect the building from future moisture issues.
How the Community Can Help
Even with the grants, the church still needs roughly $350,000. Rev. Savage is calling on longtime supporters and new friends alike to contribute financially or offer skilled labor. “Any skills that you may be able to offer to the church in this restoration project, we would be so happy,” he said.
Donations can be made directly to the church’s restoration fund, and volunteers with experience in carpentry, masonry, painting, or historic preservation are especially welcome. The hope is that a broad coalition of believers, neighbors, and heritage advocates will rally together to ensure the sanctuary stands for another century.
Looking Forward
St. John’s AME’s restoration effort exemplifies how faith‑based institutions can partner with state and national preservation programs to protect cultural heritage. As the project moves forward, the church plans to keep the community updated on milestones, fundraising goals, and volunteer opportunities.
For those interested in supporting the effort, contact the church office at (757) 555‑1234 or visit the church’s website for more information on how to donate or volunteer.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
