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Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is a living Civil Rights landmark in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama.
The church was built between 1883 and 1889 as the Second Colored Baptist Church and later changed its name to the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. It was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. On May 30, 1974, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Pastors
Two pastors in particular are responsible for its legacy. Vernon Johns, who served from 1947 to 1952, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who served from 1954 to 1960, were important community leaders and Civil Rights activists. It was under a young King that the Montgomery Bus Boycott was organized in 1955. King later marched past the church in 1965 during the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. The church’s current name dates back to 1978, when it was renamed in honor of Dr. King.
Tours
NOTE: walk-in tours of the church are currently suspended due to COVID-19 and are available by appointment only. They cost US$10 (as of November 2023).
On our visit in November 2017, the tour included a short film, a look at King’s office, and a wonderful interpretation of the history of the church by an enthusiastic guide. Our guide was Wanda, an outgoing and dynamic woman who can make even the gloomiest of days brighter. Wanda greeted us with a hug and made us feel at home during our visit to the church. The tour wouldn’t have been the same without her, and she left us feeling inspired.
King’s Office
After watching a short introductory film, Wanda showed us Dr. King’s office. The desk is original, and the rest of the office is decorated the way it would have looked during King’s pastorship. On the window in the office is an original brick discarded from the construction of the church.
Just outside the office is a simple wooden pulpit. King stood behind the very same pulpit when he spoke to over 25,000 people from the steps of the Alabama State Capitol on March 25, 1965, delivering his famous How Long, Not Long speech. The pulpit is autographed by David Oyelowo, the actor who played King in the 2014 movie Selma:
“It has been an absolute privilege to momentarily walk in Dr. King’s shoes.” – David Oyelowo
Basement
Next, we took a look at a wall with photographs of every pastor to serve the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Wanda made sure to point out Johns and King, and told us a few difference between their leadership styles.
The fantastic mural in the basement was painted by Deacon John W. Feagin in 1980. It depicts important events during the Civil Rights movement and Dr. King’s life. At the end, it shows King in heaven surrounded by other Civil Rights activists.
Other items of interest in the basement include a work of art called The Beginning of a Dream, a water fountain with four places to drink, and a memorial to Claudine Lee Parker. Parker was a member of the church murdered in Montgomery by the DC Snipers on September 21, 2002.
The Church
Finally, it was time to walk up into the church. It was beautiful yet simple. Wanda showed us some of the more important items at the pulpit, including the organ.
We were actually able to stand behind the pulpit and look out over the pews, just as King had done several years before. Above it hangs a cross, and behind it are chairs where others would sit. It was quite an experience.
Conclusion
Before leaving, Wanda led us in singing “We Shall Overcome“, and left us with a message of hope and love. Visiting the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church was something we will never forget, and we believe everyone should see it when in Montgomery. We also recommend a tour of the Dexter Parsonage Museum, which isn’t too far away. Dr. King lived in the house during his pastorship in Montgomery.
