Ebenezer Baptist Church

Commissioned by the National Park Service, Lord Aeck Sargent undertook a critical preservation project at Ebenezer Baptist Church, a site forever linked to the civil rights movement through its connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As co-pastor from 1960 to 1968, Dr. King delivered many of his most influential sermons within the church’s walls, making it a symbol of both spiritual and political activism. Lord Aeck Sargent's preservation work involved a detailed condition assessment to address the exterior’s deterioration, while also designing upgrades for the building’s mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems. These modern systems were carefully integrated to ensure the church’s historical fabric remained intact. A significant focus of the restoration is the sanctuary, which will be restored to its 1968 appearance, the year of Dr. King's assassination, preserving the atmosphere in which his final sermons were delivered. This effort not only stabilizes the building structurally but also honors the legacy of Dr. King, ensuring the church continues to stand as a testament to his leadership and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.