SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Sept. 22, 2026 – Drury University will formally dedicate and host a ribbon-cutting for the Benton Avenue AME Church, 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25. The church, located at the corner of Benton Avenue and Central Street and originally purchased by the University more than a decade ago, saw a years-long renovation project completed during the summer.
The church was once pastored by Rev. Oliver Brown, who was the lead plaintiff in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which dismantled the legal framework for racial segregation and set into motion social and political movements that changed the course of history. Brown ministered at Benton Avenue from 1959 to 1961.
“Throughout its long history, Drury has been committed to welcoming people, conversations, and connection opportunities to our historic, tree-lined campus,” Drury President Dr. Jeff Frederick said. “We dedicate the restored AME Church in this same spirit, mindful of all those that have gathered under its roof in the past and welcoming all those that would come again to listen and talk, honor the past, and embrace the future.”
Benton Avenue AME Church was first organized in 1872 and the current church building was completed in 1926. The church formally closed on July 1, 2014. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Grants, private gifts and other support made the restoration possible. Funding included private donations, support from the State of Missouri, and American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded through Greene County.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu