HOUSTON — The historic Wesley AME Church, once at risk of being torn down, will soon become a community hub called Gospel Square in Houston's Third Ward.
On Saturday, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced a $4.1 million HUD grant is being awarded to the City of Houston for the "adaptive re-use" of the church, which will become a community center, gospel museum, recording studio, and a location for affordable housing units.
The love for this church was celebrated at St. Johns United Methodist Church on Crawford, where several renowned gospel singers gathered from around the country.
“It’s going to provide us an avenue to document a legacy of those who have gone on before as it relates to gospel music,” V Michael McKay, a gospel singer from Houston told KHOU.
Other active members of Wesley AME Church approved the decision to revitalize the historic building.
“We always have to tell our story, our young people need to learn the history of gospel music,” Carl Davis said.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the grant is the first of its kind in the nation.
“Gospel music has been an amazing, powerful tool to unite people in Houston and we want to make sure people know that, but in the nation. I want them to have someplace to see what gospel music has done,” Rep. Jackson Lee said.
Last week, city council approved the sale of the church, located at 2209 Emancipation Avenue.
“It can certainly move forward as not just an edifice, but one that is certainly going to be a beacon of light on the corner of Emancipation,” Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said.
Renovations are underway.