Renovation Project | Mother Emanuel AME Church

We cherish historic buildings and have used them for years. Over time, even with the best maintenance, these valuable structures are subject to aging-related issues such as roof leaks, termite infestations, and general wear. The 133-year-old building that serves as the spiritual home for the 207-year-old Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church congregation requires extensive repairs and renovations. The church hired engineers, an architect, and a contractor to assess costs and develop renovation plans. The estimated expenses totaled $6.2 million, including a $1 million contingency fund to cover unforeseen construction costs.

Aside from the contingency reserves, the $5 million project cost must be raised from the congregation of 400 members, primarily individuals over sixty years old, and the community. The main expenses are the eight trusses supporting the roof and ceiling. Restrooms need to become ADA-compliant, especially the men’s room, which currently cannot accommodate a wheelchair. The choir vacated the choir loft due to deteriorated structural members in that section.

The church received a $250,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places. To secure the grant, the church must raise $500,000. Additionally, the church received a $150,000 grant for renovations from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Grant.

After the murder of nine congregation members on June 17, 2015, the world expressed its sympathy and generous donations totaling $3,400,000. Of those funds, $1,500,000 was given to the victims' families. Additionally, some of the money was allocated for specific church projects, such as repairs to the parking lot, a memorial fund, scholarships, and immediate repairs like the removal of termite infestation. Of these funds, the church now has $660,000 remaining to apply toward this project. Fundraising efforts for the repairs and renovations continue, with an active Congregation Campaign Committee and a Community Fundraising Committee reaching out through letters, calls, and requests for pledges and donations.

Organ Dedication

On July 22, 2023, the church successfully completed the restoration of the organ. We praise God for the organ builders who worked so hard to restore the church’s magnificent instrument. We are also grateful for the cloud of witnesses who were in attendance to witness the organ dedication. We give praise to God for the sermon from Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. Please take some time to watch the worship service. Also, as we will never forget what God has done, please review the video library below that shows the organ restoration process. To God be the Glory!

Updates July 2024

As of October 21, 2023, Phase One has been completed. We thank God for enabling us to accomplish everything within the set timeline and budget. The church is now preparing for Phase Two and developing a strategic plan to pay off the remaining line of credit, which totals $840,000. Please look at the photo gallery below as we celebrate the journey of faith.

~Open Letter~

Dear friends,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support and generosity towards phase one of our church restoration project. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have brought us closer to our vision of preserving this sacred space for future generations.

The successful completion of phase one would not have been possible without your financial contributions, tireless volunteer work, and unwavering support. Your belief in our mission has been a constant source of inspiration for all involved in this project. The restoration work has breathed new life into our beloved church, and we are immensely proud of the progress we have made together.

As we move forward, I am thrilled to announce that we are preparing for phase two of the restoration project. This phase will further repair and enhance the church's structural integrity, preserving its historical elements and creating a more welcoming and inclusive space for our community. We are excited about the possibilities and are confident that, with your continued support, we will achieve remarkable results.

I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to each of you to join us again in this noble endeavor. Your involvement, whether through financial contributions, volunteering your time and skills, or simply spreading the word, will make an immense difference. Together, we can ensure that our church remains a beacon of hope, a light in the pathway of darkness, and unity for generations to come.

I express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our shared vision. Your generosity has touched the lives of many community members and brought us one step closer to achieving our restoration goals. Let us work hand in hand, united by our love for this sacred place and our commitment to preserving its beauty and significance.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Reverend Dr. Eric S. C. Manning

We invite you to be a part of the ongoing legacy of faith, resilience, and renewal at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Your generous donations help us continue the sacred mission and preserve the foundation upon which generations have worshiped, served, and stood strong.

How can I swiftly contribute to the renovation project?

Online Giving: Click here to make a secure donation today through Givelify.

All donations are tax-deductible and directly support the ongoing restoration, ministry, and outreach efforts of Historic Mother Emanuel.

Every gift—large or small—helps sustain the ministry, maintain our historic church, and strengthen our outreach for generations to come.

Thank you for sowing into the sacred work and future of Mother Emanuel.