Twelfth Baptist Church Exterior Restoration

After

Before

After

Tower Restoration

After

Sign Installed

Client: Twelfth Baptist Church
Location: Boston, MA
Size: 9,000 SF
Status: Completed (December 2024)

Awards: Boston Preservation Alliance Preservation Achievement Award (2025), Preservation Massachusetts Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award (2025)

Historical Significance:
Serving the Roxbury community for over 150 years, the church at 160 Warren Street has been the residence of three congregations and since 1957, has been the home of the historic Twelfth Baptist Church. “Modernizations” of the façade in more recent years had left the building unidentifiable from its historic design. This project restored the building to its original appearance and helps to reestablish it as a historic landmark that matches the historic status of the congregation.

This restoration also supports the historical significance of this congregation as a champion of social justice from its founding in 1840 as an anti-slavery meetinghouse, to its hosting of civil rights leader and American Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. and the current leadership of social engagement, ministry and community by Senior Pastor Reverend Willie Bodrick II.

This project used a Boston Community Preservation Act grant which helps communities preserve historic sites such as The Twelfth Baptist Church.

Project Scope:

Removal of stucco and permastone (stamped stucco) finishes from the original exterior walls.
Repair of damaged wood framing, sheathing, and remaining historical facade elements.
Installation of new painted wood siding and trim to replicate original based on historical evidence.
Restoration of brick masonry walls.