Shiloh Baptist Church Received $750,000 Federal Grant

The National Park Service grant will fund critical repairs for the historic Cleveland landmark.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in African-American

Screen-print poster illustration showing the arched brick facade of a historic church, evoking a sense of community preservation. — Shiloh Baptist Church in Cleveland has been awarded a $750,000 National Park Service grant to fund restoration of the historic site. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Shiloh Baptist Church in Cleveland has received a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service to preserve its historic facility. The funding will support structural restoration and modern upgrades for the site.

Why it matters

The grant helps maintain a site that served as a critical hub of advocacy and asylum during the Civil Rights Movement. It also ensures the survival of an architectural landmark that has been an anchor for the community since 1926.

The church received $750,000 to repair water-damaged plaster, restore the portico, and install an elevator and air conditioning. The property at 5500 Scovill Avenue has been a Cleveland landmark since its original construction.

The players

Shiloh Baptist Church

It is the oldest African American Baptist congregation in Cleveland and a recognized historic landmark.

National Park Service

This federal agency manages national monuments and provides grants for the preservation of historic sites.

Cleveland Restoration Society

This organization works to protect the historic built environment of the Cleveland region through advocacy and technical assistance.

Martin Luther King Jr.

He was a prominent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement who visited the church to preach in 1967.

The details

The Cleveland Restoration Society partnered with the church to secure the funds by documenting the site's history and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Plans include updating the building's National Register of Historic Places nomination and exploring future affordable housing options on land owned by the church.

The congregation was founded in 1849.
The church relocated to its current building in 1926.
The institution assisted in rebuilding efforts following the 1966 Hough riots.
Martin Luther King Jr. preached at the church in 1967.
The original National Register nomination was completed in 1982.

Culture Shift

The church is updating its National Register of Historic Places nomination to formally recognize its role in the Civil Rights Movement. This move reflects a broader societal trend of reassessing and elevating the historical status of sites associated with African American history.

The planned improvements, including air conditioning and accessibility upgrades like a new elevator, will make the historic church more comfortable and accessible for local community events. Residents may also see the church take a larger role in local housing initiatives as it studies feasibility for affordable units.

The takeaway

Preserving historic houses of worship requires balancing architectural conservation with modern accessibility needs. Community partnerships with local restoration societies are essential for securing the federal resources necessary to maintain these landmark buildings.