05/03/2019
Below is a point by point rebuttal to the letter distributed to the congregants of First Baptist Church in regards to the church’s plans to demolish the historic First Presbyterian at 52 Adams Avenue in downtown Montgomery. It’s imperative we acknowledge the mission of the church and The Caring Center as an important and effective ministry, we appreciate their work for our community. It is the stance of this group, based on our understanding of the current condition of the building, that adaptive reuse should be considered for the 1847 Sanctuary, and the historic building be maintained. It is hard to believe that such a large space and important facade can be ignored in the planning of a new building. The sanctuary is a blank slate and has plenty to offer. The Historic Preservation Community continues to extend the offer to First Baptist to provide technical expertise, design assistance, and whatever else the church may need to make this a reality and save First Presbyterian.
We admire and support the work of The Caring Center. The work is second to none and is important to the City of Montgomery
Thoughtful and creative planning and design can ensure the 1847 Sanctuary and a new building can live together and adequately support the ministry in a way that benefits the entire community of Montgomery.
Though the sanctuary is a monument, it is a useful building first. Providing the best and highest use for the building will ensure its monumental status in the community, but guarantee it will continue to serve Montgomery for another century.
First Baptist has already played a magnificent role in preserving their historic buildings, why stop short here? It’s understandable that maintaining the entirety of the First Presbyterian foot print is not ideal, but adaptively reusing the sanctuary is a reasonable solution.
Maintaining the bell tower and narthex is hardly a sufficient acknowledgement of this building’s significance.
Provide the report for public review and comment. Let the community decide for itself.
The building is listed to the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building in the Perry Street Historic District, which was listed in 1971. Its is on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, as well as being a local landmark in the City of Montgomery.
Historic Preservation is about providing the highest and best use for historic buildings. Museums are rarely profitable and historic buildings contribute to a city’s identity and adaptive reuse should be considered in all circumstances.
Historic properties can be more expensive, but they represent more than a disposable asset. Owners of historic properties have a responsibility to maintain, protect and improve the building over time.
Perhaps, exploring and ultimately saving the 1847 Sanctuary, and providing it with its best and highest use, will encourage individuals to support the work of the ministry both financially and with sweat equity. We all have a responsibility to be good citizens, take care of what was entrusted to us, and provide the best possible world to those who come after us.
