Background

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church: A Civil Rights Landmark

Visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement and the site where Martin Luther King Jr. led change.

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The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a cornerstone of the American Civil Rights Movement. Founded in 1877 on the site of a former slave pen, it gained prominence under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who pastored the church from 1954 to 1960 and organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott from its basement.

A brief summary to Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum nearby to see where Dr. King and his family lived during his time as pastor.
  • Check out the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Legacy Center, which features a statue of Dr. King.
  • Tours are available, but it is best to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule and to make reservations.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is located in downtown Montgomery, near the Alabama State Capitol. From many downtown locations, the church is easily accessible on foot. Landmarks such as the Civil Rights Memorial and the Rosa Parks Museum are within a short walking distance. Be mindful of traffic and crosswalks while walking.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service in the city. Route 1 connects the Montgomery Regional Airport to downtown Montgomery. Get off at the bus stop near the intersection of Dexter Avenue and South Court Street. From there, walk west on Dexter Avenue to 454 Dexter Ave. A single ride fare on MATS is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A short taxi ride from the Montgomery Regional Airport to the church would cost approximately $16. Note that prices may vary depending on demand, traffic, and time of day.

Unlock the Best of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

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Discover more about Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is more than just a place of worship; it's a living testament to the struggle for civil rights in America. Established in 1877 on the grounds of a former slave trader's pen, the church symbolizes the journey from slavery to freedom and equality. The red brick structure, completed in 1889, has been a beacon of hope and a center for social change for over a century. Originally named the Second Colored Baptist Church, it was later renamed Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, and finally, in 1978, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church to honor Dr. King. During his time as pastor, Dr. King, along with other leaders, organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, a pivotal event sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a city bus. This act of defiance ignited a movement that challenged segregation and propelled Dr. King to national prominence. Today, visitors can tour the church and the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the former home to twelve of the church's pastors, including Dr. King, between 1920 and 1992. The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Legacy Center, adjacent to the church, features a statue of Dr. King in its courtyard. The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and remains an inspiration to people from around the world.

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