Old First Baptist Church closer to historical landmark designation

The historical First Baptist Church in the Dunbar neighborhood is one step closer to official recognition as a local historical landmark. 

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Planning and Zoning Commission followed the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation to designaate the church as a landmark. During her presentation, Historic Preservation Officer and Planner Alison Brake noted that the church meets the criteria set forth in the city’s development code for historical landmark status and said that city staff recommended approval of the historical designation.

The church is listed in the Historic Resources Survey of the Dunbar and East Guadalupe Neighborhoods with a high priority. The historic sites inventory form for the church notes that it was built in 1908 and served as a religious and social center for the community. Alterations made in 1953, including the addition of new concrete steps and siding, initially gave the church “medium” priority but that changed, given the church’s importance to the community. 

Several residents spoke in favor of giving the church official historic designation and commented on the community support for restoration efforts.

“I’m proud to say the community has rallied around the restoration of the church,” said Ramika Adams, board member at The Calaboose African-American History Museum. Adams noted that local historical landmark status would help get additional restoration funding in the future. 

Carina Pinales said she feels the restoration project will “restore a heartbeat to the community” and that landmark designation will help bolster fundraising efforts.

“This is just going to add that much more of a statement of community involvement and endorsement,” she said.

Sara Lee Underwood-Myers also spoke in favor of the historical designation and mentioned the current grant competition the restoration project is competing in. Partners in Preservation will give the top 10 vote-getters $150,000 each in the contest, which depends on votes from the public.

The old First Baptist Church is the only project in Texas competing for grant funds. Anyone anywhere in the world can show support for the church restoration by visiting Vote Your Man Street's website and voting for the project. Individuals can vote up to five times a day every day through Oct. 26. At last tally, the church restoration project ranked seventh after slipping from between fifth and sixth place.