Thirty historically Black churches nationwide are set to receive a combined $8.5 million for essential preservation work, including Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Media, writes National Trust for Historic Preservation for savingplaces.org.
Founded in 1827 by formerly enslaved people, Campbell AME Church of Media is among Delaware County’s oldest active Black congregations. Its Gothic Revival building dates to 1931, when the cornerstone was laid.
The historic church, under the leadership of Rev. Alexis Washington, will apply grant funding toward a National Register nomination and planning initiatives for a 2027 bicentennial campaign aimed at sustaining its long-term preservation.
The grants come from the Preserving Black Churches program, part of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Funding will support projects ranging from structural restoration to stewardship planning.
With support from Lilly Endowment, this year’s cohort is receiving the largest combined grant award in the program’s history.
Read more about Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church of Media at savingplaces.org.
