Nehemiah Project

Strengthening Historic African American Congregations

The Nehemiah Project, funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, has worked to strengthen historic Black congregations by offering guidance and support to devise specific strategies for defining their spiritual values, connecting with their surrounding communities, and responding to congregational challenges in creative and effective ways.

Exploring and Re-Imagining Church Spaces

A Partnership between with the University of Kentucky School of Architecture

In partnership with students in the University of Kentucky School of Architecture, the Nehemiah Project explored how each participating Kentucky congregation can maintain its historic character while renovating spaces, re-imaging possibilities for leveraging assets, enhancing connections with the community, and addressing programmatic needs.

The University of Kentucky Students listened to the goals and needs from congregations then developed presentations for each church with a detailed site analysis, concept diagrams, and multiphase renovation plans. Click here to see more of the work done by the University of Kentucky Students. The Nehemiah Project also secured inspections and appraisals of property for each church and further guidance in seeking community fundraising partnerships to implement changes.

Phase One

Floor plan change for better use of space and ADA compliance.

Phase One Floor Diagram
Sherman Chapel Exterior - Front
Sherman Chapel Exterior - Side
Phase One Site Analysis
Phase One Site Analysis

Phase Two

New Worship hall with more room and classrooms.

Site Analysis
Hyphen - Sherman Chapel
Floor Plan - Sherman Chapel
Phase Two - Church Exterior
Phase Two - Church Interior

The partnership with students from the University of Kentucky, showcases just one of the many projects we were able to participate in and implement thanks to the Lilly Endowment's Thriving Congregation Initiative to work on strengthening historic Black congregations in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.