Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a historic site with profound significance in American history. Established in 1877 by freedmen and free people of color, the church was initially known as the Second Colored Baptist Church.
The congregation purchased a lot at the corner of what is now Dexter Avenue and Decatur Street in 1879, and by 1889, they had completed the construction of a new brick building. This church quickly became a central hub for the African American community, hosting the first registration of students for Alabama State University in 1887.
The church's most notable period came during the mid-20th century when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as its pastor from 1954 to 1960. It was from the basement office of this church that Dr. King organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.
The church was a gathering place for mass meetings and strategy sessions that would shape the course of American history. In recognition of its importance, the church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and later renamed Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in 1978 to honor Dr. King's legacy.
Today, the church remains a vibrant place of worship and community engagement. It continues to hold regular services, Bible studies, and various community outreach activities. The church also operates the Dexter Parsonage Museum, which was the home to twelve pastors of the church between 1920 and 1992, including Dr. King. This museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the church's role in the Civil Rights Movement and the life of Dr. King.
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