Still Standing: The Enduring Impact of African-American Churches Founded in the Postbellum South

“Historic Black churches established in the 19th century must be willing to make changes to their worship, leadership, and ministry model if they intend to survive in the 21st century. ”

Team Members/Contributors

Dwylene Shevelle Butler Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church Contact Me

About this pastoral study project

African-American churches founded in the South during the post-Civil War era are now over one-hundred years old. Having experienced Reconstruction, Jim Crow, segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, the Great Migration, white flight, gentrification, economic crises, the election of the first black president, and the Black Lives Matter movement, the members of these churches have a unique perspective of how faith intersects with daily life. 

This applicant currently attends Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. The church, celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2017, was founded by the famed slave preacher, Rev. John Jasper. The legacy of Jasper's sermon, "De Sun Do Move, Earth Am Square" has helped the church remain relevant as a historic site, seeing hundreds of visitors per year. However, the church building is not merely a museum. It is a sacred space for over 500 members who gather to worship and have adopted a mission to address issues facing people in both the congregation and community.  

This ethnographic research project will study how other African-American churches founded in the postbellum South with historical significance have endured and what lessons can be learned to ensure their continued effectiveness in the 21st century. The applicant intends to do extensive research on the history of the Black Church in America, specifically churches noted for having been instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. This Pastoral Study Project would include traveling to interview pastors, church historians, leaders, and church members, as well as observing how historic churches respond to contemporary issues. Based on current trends, if historic congregations do not adapt to the changing times, these churches may not be able to survive another generation. Therefore, the results of this study may prove to be helpful to other older Black Churches with a membership that is predominantly elderly and those struggling to attract or maintain younger members.