Two historically black churches in Franklin are waiting to find out if they're getting a grant from the African American cultural heritage action fund.
The money would cover repairs but would also help preserve black history.
Churches in Franklin, including Mount Zion Baptist Church, were built over 150 years ago during the Civil War era. Through the grant, they will be given an opportunity to be revitalized.
Kevin Ina has been a deacon at Mount Zion Baptist Church for 22 years and said the church, which is over a century old, is in need of repair.
"This building itself has been around since 1874. It needs to be refurbished. There's the flooring in here that needs to be changed the foundations of the floor they're starting to dip. The ceilings are starting to fall in places," said Ina.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, along with Asbury United Methodist Church, are up for grants through the African American cultural heritage action fund.
A grant in the amount of $50,000 to $200,000 could be awarded through the secretary of interiors office to assist in revitalization and maintenance.
“A great deal of civil rights movements that happened in Franklin happened here at Mount Zion and so they have a very significant historical value of what they have done to contribute to humanity and to mankind in general and that is to love one another. As you love yourself,” Mayor of Franklin Eugene Foucard said.
“But it needs to be in working order. Everything needs to function if the church functions the community functions.” Ina said.
Mayor Foulcard said they should hear back on approval of the grant by the end of the year.
To learn learn more about Preserving Black Churches project, clickhere.
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