A new beacon

Historical black church turned museum is the spiritual heart of bigger plans

BY JANIE GOULD

The church, first called the Old Macedonia Colored Church, is pictured in its original location in Sebastian. In 1994, preservationists saved the long-vacant structure and moved it to Gifford.

A historical church — built in Sebastian to serve black workers who were clearing land and laying track for Henry Flagler’s railroad — has been welcoming new visitors in recent years, as a shrine to black history in Gifford. Now, this museum has become the catalyst for a new cultural destination in the park where it stands.

The museum’s all-volunteer board of directors is working to raise $25 million to build the Gifford Cultural Center and History Museum. The designs for this stunning complex include an amphitheater — built to allow indoor and outdoor performances — an art gallery, gift shop, and space for social, educational and cultural activities, said board president Jonnie Mae Perry.

“It is an anchor to preserve Indian River County’s storied past,” said Perry, also president of the Indian River County Historical Society.