Historic civil rights-era church in Memphis to undergo $25 million renovation

By Niall Patrick Walsh – Archinect

February 19, 2024

Memphis’ Clayborn Temple, a historic civil rights landmark, is set to undergo a $25 million renovation. The five-year project aims to preserve its historic significance while ushering in a new era of vitality for the site and the surrounding community.

The building was originally constructed in 1892 as Second Presbyterian Church, serving an all-white congregation. In 1949, it was sold to an African Methodist Episcopal congregation for $100,000 and renamed Clayborn Temple.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the church became a central hub for social, cultural, spiritual, and political activity within Memphis’ Black community. It later served as the organizing headquarters for the 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike, the final campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“As an important sacred space in American history, in Black history, and in Memphis history, Historic Clayborn Temple has an opportunity to bring people together in a place of nurturing, peace, and love,” said Anasa Troutman, executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple. “With healing arts and cultural programming, a museum that honors the building’s history, and community outreach initiatives that support economic justice, we’re committed to reclaiming this space and ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

The renovation will include restoration and reinterpretation of the church’s stained-glass windows. Designed by Memphis-based artists Sharday Michelle and Lonnie Robinson, the new windows will depict the story of the Sanitation Workers’ Strike, including key figures such as Larry Payne, Cornelia Crenshaw, Rev. James Lawson, Maxine Smith, and T.O. Jones.

The church’s 3,000-pipe grand organ will also be restored. It will be dismantled and transported to a specialist in New York before being reassembled and reinstalled in historically accurate condition.

In addition to restoring the historic structure, the project includes construction of a new museum building on the property. The museum will feature interactive exhibits highlighting the church’s history and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.

An artists-in-residence program will also be launched during the renovation to support creative work by Memphis-based artists.

The project is expected to be completed in 2026.