Bethel Baptist Church-Parsonage/Guard House is a historic site located in Birmingham, Alabama. The church was founded in 1872 by former slaves and has played a significant role in the civil rights movement. The Parsonage/Guard House was built in 1926 to provide housing for the church’s pastors and also served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

During the civil rights movement, Bethel Baptist Church was a hub for organizing and activism. The church’s pastor, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, was a prominent civil rights leader and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists. The Parsonage/Guard House was used as a safe haven for activists, who could stay there and meet without fear of violence or arrest.

The building is a significant example of early 20th-century architecture in Birmingham, with a mix of Tudor Revival and Craftsman styles. The Parsonage/Guard House features a large front porch, gabled roof, and decorative woodwork. It was restored in the 1990s and now serves as a museum and community center. Visitors can learn about the civil rights movement and the role of Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham’s history.

Today, Bethel Baptist Church-Parsonage/Guard House is an important cultural landmark in Birmingham and a reminder of the struggle for civil rights in the United States. The building serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those fighting for social justice and equality. Visitors can explore the building’s rich history and gain a deeper understanding of the important role that faith communities played in the civil rights movement.