WSMV Channel 4 Wilson Co. works to restore historic black church

Almost 40 years ago, members of a black congregation outgrew their church in Lebanon and had to move to a larger sanctuary across town. Now, there's an effort to restore the building they left behind, which is defined by worship, race and perseverance.

The outside of Lebanon's Old Pickett Chapel Church, which was built in 1827, looks like any other boarded-up building.

"During the Civil Rights Movement, this church was the only church that would allow the workers to meet," said museum co-founder Mary McAdoo-Harris.

The building has a rotting ceiling, crumbling walls and neglected floors, but holds the key to a story few know.

"This building was owned by a white congregation before African-Americans purchased it," said McAdoo-Harris.

Slaves used to sit in the balcony of the church while the white congregation worshipped below, but that changed in the 1860s after slaves became free.

"Thirty-three slaves purchased this building for $1,500. At that time, that was quite a bit of money," said McAdoo-Harris.

She and a small group of other volunteers want to restore the oldest brick building in town.

The plan is take items from a temporary cultural center located two blocks away, move them to the church and turn it into a museum.

McAdoo-Harris and others are trying to restore this church and want people to know details like the bricks used to construct the building were made by slaves.

During its glory days, the building was also used as a theater and a place to eat and mingle.

State and local governments have kicked in money to help, but with a restoration price tag of $400,000, it won't be easy.

McAdoo-Harris hopes other area church leaders will come forward and help with donations.

Ricky Rodriguez with the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau calls the plan too important to ignore.

"I think the significance is for people to see progress, to see it come as far as it has. Not only locally, but on a national level," said Rodriguez.

The Old Pickett Chapel Church was placed on the National Register of Historical Properties in 1977.

When it's finished, the Roy Bailey African-American Museum and History Center will include lots of artifacts, a small gift shop and an eating area.

The public can make donations to the project by contacting the Wilson County CVB at 615 453-9655.

Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.