CLINTON, Iowa — A group in Clinton is racing to preserve a historic Black church. 

The 140-year-old building, known as Bethel AME, was acquired by Great Revivalist Brewing Company between 2022 and 2023. Citizens First Bank foreclosed on Great Revivalist’s Clinton property in April. 

Owner Richard Schwab told News 8 the foreclosure is a restructuring of more than $4.5 million in debt, used to renovate the nearby Episcopal church as a brewery. Schwab said he spent $140,000 on structural and electrical work, later realizing the project was too much to take on.

But Bethel AME is still in disrepair. It’s on the city’s demolition list with a leaking roof and unstable construction. That’s why the Gateway History Club is trying to form a nonprofit to take ownership of the church. The city has given them a deadline of Nov. 1 to decide what to do with the building — whether to fully restore it as an event space or deconstruct it and use the materials in a memorial.

Kathryn Wynn-Calvin went to Bethel growing up. 

“My dad when he passed away we had his funeral service there, so there’s a lot of memories there,” Wynn-Calvin said.

The church was built by former slaves who came to Clinton for work. She wants to see history preserved.

“I feel like Bethel could still become something,” Wynn-Calvin said. “Will it ever be used as a church again? No. But the possibilities that we can memorialize it and keep it as a historic area, that potential is there and I’m so excited to be a part of that.”

The building materials could be used in a memorial garden or new building.

Matt Parbs, VP of community and economic development at Grow Clinton, said he’s not worried about the tight deadline for a proposal. 

“Even if a timeline didn’t exist, our goal is to make sure that quality end product happens,” Parbs said.

Whatever form it takes, Wynn-Calvin wants to see the church live on.

“I mean I look at that church and I think, ‘Wow, it has so many possibilities,'” Wynn-Calvin said.

She said local contractor Nichols Roofing offered to put a tarp over the church to prevent further water damage.

Even with the foreclosure, Schwab said Great Revivalist will stay open under a management agreement with the bank. He said several groups have approached him about buying the brewery.

The Gateway History Club plans to remove important items from Bethel before a sale can go through.