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Tabernacle Baptist Church: A Beacon of Civil Rights

Visit Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, a historic landmark and pivotal site in the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing courage and resilience.

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The Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama, is a historic landmark that played a pivotal role in the Voting Rights Movement. Built in 1922, it served as a gathering place for civil rights activists and a symbol of resilience during the Jim Crow era.

A brief summary to Tabernacle Baptist Church

  • Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the church's website or call ahead to confirm tour availability and hours, as they may vary.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be standing and walking during the tour.
  • Consider visiting other nearby civil rights landmarks, such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Selma Interpretive Center, to deepen your understanding of the movement.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Tabernacle Baptist Church is located at 1431 Broad Street in Selma. From the intersection of Broad Street and Alabama Avenue, walk south on Broad Street for approximately 0.2 miles. The church will be on your left. There is no fee for visiting the church, but tours are by appointment only.

  • Public Transport

    Selma has limited public transportation options. The closest bus stop to Tabernacle Baptist Church is at the Greyhound station located at 434 Broad St. From there, walk south on Broad Street for about 10 minutes (0.6 miles) to reach the church. Bus fare will vary.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Selma, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Tabernacle Baptist Church will be a short ride. Expect to pay around $5-$10, depending on the service and traffic conditions. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Tabernacle Baptist Church

Tabernacle Baptist Church, located at 1431 Broad St, Selma, Alabama, stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the African American community during the Civil Rights Movement. Organized in 1884, the church initially served Selma University students, faculty, and the emerging Black middle class. The current Classical Revival edifice, designed and built in 1922 by David T. West, a member of the congregation, replaced the original structure and quickly became a significant architectural and spiritual landmark. In May 1963, at the request of Bernard Lafayette Jr. and Amelia Boynton, Tabernacle opened its doors to host the first mass meeting of the Voting Rights Movement. This event, held after the memorial service for civil rights activist Samuel Boynton, galvanized the Black community in Selma and set the stage for the historic events that followed. Despite facing opposition and threats, Pastor Louis Lloyd Anderson bravely offered the church as a sanctuary for activists. The church also became the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed a mass meeting in support of the Poor People's Campaign in 1968. Tabernacle Baptist Church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of architectural achievement and community empowerment. Its Classical Revival design, featuring a multi-colored stained-glass clerestory, made it the most architecturally compelling space for African Americans in Selma for much of the 20th century. The church's listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and its inclusion in the African American Civil Rights Network further solidify its importance in American history.

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