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Eighth Oldest Black U.S. Church in Danger of Being Demolished

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Washington Informer Damaged by recent hurricanes, Wesley United Methodist Church in New Orleans is in danger of being demolished. Courtesy Photo
Historic Wesley United Methodist Church, the second-oldest African American church in New Orleans and the eighth-oldest in the United States, is in need of financial support and resources. The church is scheduled for demolition due to extensive damage from recent hurricanes.

Wesley United Methodist Church was initially built by enslaved Africans and has hosted many civil rights events. The Church also organized meetings and developed strategies to enforce antiracist laws. In 1951, the church was deconstructed and moved to its current location on Jackson Avenue in New Orleans.

Members of Wesley United Methodist Church eagerly participated in the reconstruction, but have been worried about the decision of the church's demolition due to the lack of finances. One church member stated, ''My family and I have been attending Wesley since I was a little girl. It would absolutely kill me to see all that history torn down.'' 

The uptown New Orleans church is an important part of U.S. history and needs to be saved for future generations, members say. 

To make a donation to Wesley United Methodist Church, call 504-906-0644 or go to www.savewesleyunited.org

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Last modified on Wednesday, 25 February 2009 16:04
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Published in Religion Archive
More in this category: « In Memoriam Finding a Godly Man »

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