NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) — A historic church in southern Indiana, once a refuge for people seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad, is working to preserve its history.

Second Baptist Church -- also known as the Town Clock Church -- has stood in New Albany for nearly 175 years. While it remains home to an active congregation, a nonprofit called Friends of the Town Clock Church is also dedicated to giving tours, sharing stories of the past, and ensuring history is not forgotten.

"This church isn't going anywhere," said Chris Miles, a board member with Friends of Town Clock Church. "The history of this church means something to the community, to the city, to the state. It was a freedom-seeking refuge."

The church's steeple, visible from across the Ohio River, once served as a beacon of hope for those escaping slavery, said Miles. More than 100 years ago, the steeple split in two after being struck by lightning, but Miles said the nonprofit helped recreate it in 2016.

"To have that back atop of the church means everything and it's a privilege to be able to have the Town Clock Church be responsible for putting it back up there," he said.

Since its creation in 2013, the nonprofit has focused on ongoing maintenance, beautification, and long-term planning of the building.

Now, its preservation depends on further funding efforts.

Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation of Black Churches awarded a $200,000 grant to support restoration work. However, the funds come with a requirement -- the church must raise an additional $200,000 in matching donations.

"That will mean an additional $400,000 into the endowment which will make sure that when we need the funds to put a new roof on, to paint the church, to do whatever's needed, that those funds will be available," said board treasurer Jerry Finn.

Finn said thanks to individual donors, most of that goal has been met, but approximately $75,000 is still needed. 

The nonprofit is dedicated to preserving the history of the church and its role with the Underground Railroad for years to come.

"The legacy of this church is the resilience of the founding members of this church," said Kimberly Goode, a board member and church member.

"Again, the founding members were formerly enslaved and the descendants of formerly enslaved people. And to see that they were able to overcome all the challenges and the things they were able to overcome to not only purchase this church but to maintain it over time and although they were faced with challenges, you know, their faith allowed them to continue to push forward and God blessed that."

Goode said she feels it's a privilege and responsibility to continue that legacy.

"Not only the work that has happened in this historic church to save souls, but also the role it played in helping enslaved people find freedom," she said.

As Black History Month shines a spotlight on the significance of sites like Second Baptist Church, the nonprofit hopes to secure the final funds needed to ensure its can continue sharing the stories here for generations to come.

"For Black History Month and every month from here on out, we're proud that Friends of Town Clock Church will be responsible for the preservation of Second Baptist Church," Miles said.

CLICK HERE if you're interested in contributing to the fundraising effort. Finn said donors can also mail checks to P.O. Box 574 in New Albany or give him a call at (502) 645-2332.

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