A Network to Freedom

Harriett Tubman’s home, the Levi Coffin House, and now, Second Baptist Church. At a ceremony in early July, the New Albany property won recognition as an official “Network to Freedom” site, honoring the role the church played in the Underground Railroad.

The National Park Service designation recognizes and promotes historic places, museums and interpretive programs associated with the Underground Railroad. Nationwide, more than 500 sites and programs have earned Network to Freedom status. About 20 other entities in Indiana share the honor, ranging from sites, Eleutherian College in Lancaster, for example, to educational projects like the Indiana Freedom Trails Educational and Research Program.

Second Baptist’s Network to Freedom status capped an initiative led by local historian Pamela Peters, informed by her years of research on the history of Floyd County’s African-American residents. While oral tradition long held that freedom seekers were hidden in the basement of the church, Peters uncovered no specific documentation to verify the claim. However, she was able to document that church members were vocal advocates who created a support system not only for escaping slaves but for New Albany’s African American community as a whole.

Built as Second Presbyterian in 1849-52, the church was known for its staunch anti-slavery views. Early pastors preached and wrote against the practice, and congregation members showed benevolence to the African American community, worshipping alongside black families and supplying food, clothes and education.

An African American congregation bought the building in 1889 and renamed it Second Baptist Church. In 2013, the congregation began fixing up the church in anticipation of its 150th anniversary in 2017 (the congregation originated in 1867 in another building). A simple plan to repair the roof grew into a multi-phase, comprehensive restoration. In the midst of the project, Indiana Landmarks selected Second Baptist to participate in our Sacred Places Indiana’s program, which trains clergy and congregation members to assess historic building space, map assets, and raise money.

Second Baptist leveraged its important history to garner community support and raise more than half a million dollars for restoration, including reconstruction of the steeple that had been missing for a century. In May 2016, crowds looked on as a crane lifted the spire – recreated from a historic photo – atop the church’s truncated clock tower.

New storm windows protect and weatherize the restored stained glass windows. The clock in the repaired and repainted tower got attention too, along with the cornice. New historically-appropriate mahogany front doors welcome worshippers. Inside, paint analysis led to a historic color scheme, warmly lit by restored historic gasoliers.

With its historic church in good shape, the congregation has turned its attention to partnering with other oher local sites, including the Carnegie Center for Art and History, to develop tours and programs to share the Second Baptist’s story with visitors and residents.

For more information and a look inside the church, visit www.whas11.com. Visit www.townclockchurch.org for more information on ongoing fundraising and rehab at the church.