September 15, 1963 was a day in a church that can never be forgotten.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas and Bishop Quin Foundation brought to fruition its fierce commitment towards racial healing and reconciliation to Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL.
After his visit to the church last fall, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, IX Bishop of Texas, returned and requested that Bishop Quin Foundation donate a gift in support of the historic church’s building fund. The foundation supported his request, and the Rev. William “Bill” Fowler, President of Bishop Quin Foundation, and Linda Riley Mitchell, CPA, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Diocese of Texas, traveled to Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to deliver the generous gift to the church’s pastor, Rev. Arthur Price, Jr., Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
About Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL
Now a historic landmark attracting countless visitors each year, the church is home to where terror and tragedy struck on September 15, 1963. On what was expected to be an ordinary Sunday at the church, it would prove to be far from it. A bomb, planted beneath the steps of the church by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) exploded, killing four young girls who were attending Sunday School in the church’s basement, and injuring more than 20 other members of the congregation. The time was 10:22 a.m. This unfathomable act of violence left people the world over utterly devastated.
Terror in Birmingham
What may be forgotten, however, is later that day in Birmingham, a black youth was also killed by police, while another was murdered by a mob of white men. Sixteenth Street Baptist Church had witnessed an indescribable and unimaginable terror. Meanwhile, Birmingham was at the zenith of a flashpoint, the country was divided, and the world was shaken.
Sixteenth Street Church, “Everybody’s Church”…63 years later
Yet, over six decades later, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church has become a beacon of light in a self-proclaimed community, “where Jesus Christ is the main attraction!” They are a community of believers; however, because of the decades-old tragedy, people around the globe visit this historic landmark annually, and the years of wear and tear from foot traffic from the hundreds and hundreds of thousands has rendered the church in need of extensive repairs.
Its rich history manifests itself in the epitome of resilience
Over the years the church has evolved and remained steadfast and faithful. Since being organized in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham, the church served as a pivotal force in the African American community. With noted speakers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others, along with movements designed to advance civil rights, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church organically became known as “everybody’s church”. It continues to serve in this capacity.
IX Bishop of Texas visits Pastor Arthur Price, Jr., leaves moved to support the church
The Bishop Diocesan visited the monumental church last fall at the invitation of retired diocesan clergy, the Rev. Russ Levenson, who has relocated to Birmingham and established a friendship with Pastor Rice. The bishop returned from Sixteenth Street Baptist Church with a vehement spirit – moved to sew into the work and ministry of the church by contributing to its building campaign. He approached the Bishop Quin Foundation board, sharing both his experience and fervent desire to assist this spiritual landmark that has become an institution, and one that has endured unspeakable pain and glorious victories. His ask was to help restore the church by donating to assist with necessary repairs of the church’s structure.
Bishop Quin Foundation approves donation
The Bishop Quin Foundation board, also recognizing and applauding the contributions of this mighty church, its historic importance, and understanding of the necessity of the improvements agreed and approved a gift in the amount of $100,000.
Quin Foundation President and CFO/Treasurer of diocese visit, deliver gift
Understanding the church’s journey can never be fully understood, the Rev. William “Bill” Fowler and Linda Riley Mitchell, CPA, visited with Pastor Rice Wednesday, July 30, and delivered the check in the amount of $100,000. It is the hope of both the foundation and the diocese that the gift underscores our collective commitment to racial justice, healing, and reconciliation.
“A very powerful experience…overwhelming”
In a brief exchange with a diocesan representative after the meeting with Pastor Rice, the Rev. William “Bill” Fowler noted that he found the visit to be a profoundly powerful and overwhelming one. He wholly understood the sheer gravity, heaviness, and history of the place he visited that continues to carry an unfathomable burden, and while transformed into a place that has opened the eyes to so many the globe over, can never undo the tragedy that occurred on that sad day in 1963.
The significance of the involvement of Bishop Quin Foundation and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas through this donation to the church’s campaign is more than just a gift. It is a deep commitment to heal and reconcile just one of the wrongs of our past that can never be undone.
Click here to read PDF of storyIX Bishop of Texas Visits Historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Last Fall
Bishop Quin Foundation Gifts Sixteenth Street Baptist Church
