Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark

Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 2000
Location in Montgomery, Alabama Show map of Montgomery, Alabama Location in Alabama Show map of Alabama Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	454 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, Alabama
Built	1883–89
Architectural style	Late Victorian
NRHP reference No.	74000431
Added to NRHP	July 1, 1974
Designated NHL	May 30, 1974

The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church is a very important church in Montgomery, Alabama. It is famous for its big role in the civil rights movement. This movement worked to gain equal rights for all people, especially African Americans.

In 1978, the church changed its name to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This was done to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He was a pastor there and helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. The church is located very close to the Alabama State Capitol. Because of its important history, the US government suggested it could become a World Heritage Site in 2008.

The Church's Story
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The Church's Story

The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church started in 1877. It was founded by African Americans who were either newly freed from slavery or had been free for a long time. At first, it was called the Second Colored Baptist Church.

In 1879, the church bought land for $270. They built a small wooden church first. Then, in 1883, they started building a new, bigger brick church. This new building was finished in 1889.

Serving the Community

The church quickly became a center for the African American community. On October 3, 1887, it hosted the first student registration for Alabama State University. This university is a historically black college, meaning it was founded to educate African American students.

Important Pastors and Leaders

Many important leaders served as pastors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. In 1899, William H. McAlpine became pastor. He also helped start Selma University.

Later, Vernon Johns, an early leader in the Civil Rights Movement, was pastor from 1947 to 1952. He was followed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Dr. King was the pastor from 1954 to 1960.

Dr. King and the Bus Boycott

From his office in the church basement, Dr. King helped organize the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott. This was a major event in the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans in Montgomery refused to ride city buses to protest unfair segregation laws. The boycott lasted over a year and helped change laws across the country.

Dexter Parsonage Museum

Near the church is the former Dexter Parsonage. This house was home to twelve of the church's pastors between 1920 and 1992. Today, it is the Dexter Parsonage Museum. It teaches visitors about the church's history and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Legacy Center and Statue

Behind the church, you can find the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Legacy Center. In its courtyard, there is a statue of Dr. King. This center helps keep his memory and his work alive.