Historic black churches among Georgia's 'places in peril'

November 17, 2019 at 2:00 a.m. | Updated November 17, 2019 at 3:45 p.m.

by Associated Press

Wooden cross on a simple steeple set against a sunny summer blue sky. church tile cross building / Getty Images
Wooden cross on a simple steeple set against a sunny summer blue sky. church tile cross building / Getty Images

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Two historic black churches founded in the 1880s have been listed among Georgia's most threatened historic buildings.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of "places in peril."

The latest list includes Antioch Baptist Church in tiny Taliaferro County, which was founded by freed slaves in 1886 and features striking Gothic-revival towers. The Georgia Trust says water damage is taking a toll inside and outside the church, which could face more neglect because regular services are no longer held there.

Asbury United Methodist Church is the only African American United Methodist church in Savannah's Victorian District. The 1887 building still has an active congregation, but water damage has left portions of the building unusable. The Georgia Trust says the congregation is struggling to raise money for repairs.

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