Zion Church applies for grant from National Park Service for preservation

An effort is being made to preserve the historic Zion Church in Marion with backing from the Perry County Commission and Rep. Terri Sewell. 

In an announcement on his Facebook page, Perry County Commission Chair Albert Turner Jr. said that the church has applied for a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund.

Turner cited the church's role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially as a meeting place to plan the protest of the arrest of James Orange. The protest was met with violence that resulted in the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson. 

Turner quoted Sewell as saying: "This church remains a living testimony of those giants who fearlessly fought for freedom, equality, and justice for all. By preserving this site, we are reminded of America’s sordid and storied history and remain inspired by the possibilities of our future. "

Turner's announcement said that Cara Stallman of Grants Management LLC was the writer and administrator of the grant. He said that he hopes to have the grant approved by the fall. 

He also noted that if approved, it would be the third grant made by the National Park Service to an organization in Perry County.