Ebenezer Baptist Church

Commissioned by the National Park Service, Lord Aeck Sargent conducted an extensive preservation project for the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, located in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Historic District. Constructed between 1914 and 1922, the church is renowned not only for its Gothic Revival architecture but also as the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his leadership from 1960 to 1968. Utilizing a "Save America’s Treasures" grant, Lord Aeck Sargent first performed a thorough condition assessment of the church's exterior, identifying areas of deterioration and crafting strategies for stabilization. This assessment informed the Historic Structures Report developed by the National Park Service. Following this phase, Lord Aeck Sargent produced detailed design and construction documents for integrating updated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, while preserving the historical integrity of the building. New utility installations were strategically placed in non-visible areas, ensuring minimal impact on the church's original fabric. A second phase, yet to be executed, will address the sanctuary's interior, restoring it to its 1968 appearance, reflecting the church's significance during Dr. King’s final years of ministry.