Historic church and civil rights landmark offering guided tours, worship services, and exhibits commemorating pivotal events in American history.
General Information
Tours available Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 3pm
Closed on major holidays
Students and seniors: \$5
Children under 12: Free
Worship services are free and open to the public
How to Get There
From downtown Birmingham, head north on 19th Street N, turn right onto 6th Avenue N, and the church will be on your left at the corner of 16th Street.
Overview
The 16th Street Baptist Church stands as a powerful symbol of the American Civil Rights Movement and a place of enduring faith and community. Established in 1873, the church became a central meeting point for civil rights leaders and demonstrators during the 1960s. Its Romanesque Revival architecture, designed by Wallace Rayfield, reflects both spiritual grandeur and historical gravity. On September 15, 1963, the church was the site of a tragic bombing by white supremacists that killed four young girls—Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley—galvanizing national support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Today, the church remains an active house of worship and a living memorial to the struggle for justice and equality. Visitors can take guided tours that explore the sanctuary, basement, and historical exhibits, offering a deeply moving experience that connects past and present. The church also hosts community events, educational programs, and worship services that continue its mission of peace and reconciliation. A visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church is not only a journey through history but also a call to reflect on the values of courage, faith, and unity.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the 16th Street Baptist Church, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
