Safeguarding Our 1826 Underground Railroad Sanctuary
Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church • Lexington, Kentucky
Giving Tuesday marked the beginning of our ongoing effort to preserve Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church's original 1826 sanctuary and the historic spaces associated with its nationally recognized Underground Railroad history.
Preservation requires more than honoring the past—it requires investing in its future. Your support helps protect this sacred place of faith, refuge, resilience, worship, education, and community service.
Secure online giving: One-time gifts are processed through Clover's secure checkout. Monthly pledges help provide dependable support for continuing preservation obligations.
Why Your Support Matters
We gratefully recognize the partners and supporters who have invested in safeguarding Historic St. Paul and its nationally significant historic sanctuary.
- National Trust for Historic Preservation – Black Church Preservation Fund: $140,000
- Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky: $11,500
- Kentucky African American Heritage Commission (KAAHC): Grants awarded in 2022, 2023, and 2025 totaling $15,000, with additional support from Kentucky State University Foundation and the Louisville Urban League.
These gifts, together with contributions from members, friends, partners, and other supporters, have helped make important preservation accomplishments possible.
- Foundation and wall stabilization of the 1826 sanctuary.
- Preservation and stabilization of historic spaces associated with the sanctuary's Underground Railroad history.
- A comprehensive three-dimensional digital scan and architectural model to support future restoration and preservation planning.
- Work to protect the historic structure from continuing water intrusion and deterioration.
Sustaining the 1826 Sanctuary
The following preservation priorities have been identified to help complete this phase of rehabilitation, protect the historic sanctuary, and support its continued use for worship and public history.
Sanctuary HVAC Replacement
Provides reliable climate control while helping protect the sanctuary, organ, furnishings, and historic interior.
Plaster Repair & Interior Painting
Repairs deterioration and restores sanctuary walls and ceilings following stabilization work.
Historic Stairwell Enclosure & Protective Covering
Protects the historic stairway and associated spaces while improving safety and supporting long-term preservation.
Historic Stained-Glass Window Repair & Conservation
Supports assessment, repair, stabilization, and conservation of the sanctuary's historic stained-glass windows to address deterioration and help preserve these significant features for future generations.
Preservation priorities and project scopes may be updated as professional assessments, restoration planning, and preservation needs continue to evolve.
Your Gift Makes a Lasting Impact
Every contribution—large or small—helps Historic St. Paul:
- Complete essential preservation and restoration work.
- Protect the historic 1826 sanctuary and its interior.
- Preserve spaces associated with faith, refuge, resistance, and freedom.
- Maintain the sanctuary for worship, education, ministry, heritage interpretation, and community service.
- Pass this irreplaceable legacy to future generations.
Ways to Support the Preservation Campaign
Make a one-time gift or establish a pledge commitment for continuing support.
Give a One-Time Gift
Your secure online gift supports the preservation of the 1826 sanctuary and continuing preservation work.
Examples of Giving Levels
Other Ways to Give
Cash App: $SPAMELex
Text-to-Give: (859) 209-6003
Zelle:
Mail:
Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church,
251 N. Upper Street,
Lexington, KY 40507
Make a Pledge Commitment
Monthly Giving Encouraged
Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church is honored to steward a historic African American congregation, its 1826 sanctuary, and a site recognized for its connection to the Underground Railroad.
Please enter the pledge amount and payment frequency you are committing to in support of the Building Preservation Fund.
After submitting your pledge, you will receive information on how to manage and schedule your payments, including selecting your start date and payment method.
Monthly giving is encouraged because dependable recurring support helps the church plan for continuing preservation, maintenance, and restoration obligations.
Preserve Our Heritage. Protect Our Legacy. Sustain Our Future.
Together, we can protect the 1826 sanctuary, sustain its continuing ministry, and preserve a nationally recognized story of faith and freedom for generations to come.
