SPRINGFIELD, Mo., February 24, 2025 – Drury University hosted a ceremony on Monday recognizing two commemorated churches as a part of the dedication of a new marker along the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail. The ceremony took place at the Historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church, and the marker was unveiled and dedicated on the south side of Central Avenue, between the two former church buildings recognized as Church Square North.
The cast-aluminum plaque honors both Benton Avenue AME and Washington Avenue Baptist for having played crucial roles in Springfield’s Black community. These churches provided spiritual guidance, education, and refuge for over 100 years. Benton Avenue AME was once pastored by the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown, who played a vital role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
Community leader and Missouri State University Associate Professor Dr. Lyle Foster opened the ceremony by thanking and recognizing members of the Heritage Trail Committee, and the pioneers of Church Square North.
“We give our eternal gratitude to the pioneers and members of the congregations of the historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church and Benton Avenue AME Church, whose history we honor and celebrate today as legacy houses of faith in our city,” Foster said.
Drury alumna Charlotte Hardin ’85, one of the organizers of the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail, spoke as a representative of Church Square South’s Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church.
“Benton Avenue was and is a very special place to me,” Hardin said. “It was also a special place and a special part of the Black community. For years, the four historic churches within Church Square were the heart and soul of Springfield’s Black community. The churches were designed and used for praising the Lord, but they were also used as think-tanks and training grounds in preparation for the future.”
Dr. Michael Verney, Associate Professor of History at Drury and a committee member for the creation of the museum at the Benton Avenue Learning Center, gave his thoughts on the importance of Monday’s event.
“The heart and soul of the museum is the congregation, who gave the church life and spirit,” Verney said. “As I’ve conducted my research it’s become clear that Benton Avenue was a place of faith, hope, community, communal uplift, and belonging.”
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Jeff Frederick, President of Drury University, Pastor Terrence Tate of the Washington Avenue Baptist Church (which now meets at 1722 N. National Avenue) and a musical selection was performed by Lily Henry, a second year Architecture student at Drury.
Drury purchased the Benton Avenue AME property in 2014. Exterior renovations began in 2024 including a new roof and tuck pointing. New windows and interior renovations along with the creation of the museum exhibits will continue through 2025.
Anyone with documents, photographs, and stories about the Benton Avenue AME Church is encouraged to contact Dr. Verney at mverney@drury.edu.
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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu