Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - September 21, 2020

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Heritage' category. The nomination is being sent to the state that way, so Mr. Garner implored the Commission for a strong letter of support to make that case. Ms. Alma Powell (52095 Carriage Hills Drive, South Bend, IN 46635) introduced herself as the Senior Steward at the Olivet AME Church, and she recognized Pastor Eileen Thomas, John Charles Bryant, and Sharon Manly who were present in the chamber. Ms. Powell thanked Mr. Zeiger and Mr. Garner because it has been an exciting process to be considered for this honor. Ms. Powell stated that the church was incorporated in 1871, just five years after the incorporation of the City of South Bend. Ms. Powell stated that in 1870 there were only about 100 African Americans in South Bend, and about 25% of them decided to get together and form a church. Ms. Powell referenced a book by Reverend Gordon entitled "The Negro in South Bend, a Social Study" published in 2009, where it stated that "Olivet was called the source of health and social uplift and the location and the handling of social problems." Ms. Powell stated that everyone was very excited to be doing research and sharing their findings, and that a Zoom meeting was held with former members from all over the United States, and she presented some images from that research that best showed the importance of the congregation to this community. Ms. Powell recognized the IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center's African American Landmark Tour, and that the church is on that tour and the congregation is very proud of that. Ms. Powell showed a picture of Dewitt Hunter with then Mayor Roger Parent. Ms. Powell then showed a picture of their involvement with Hering House. Ms. Powell then showed a picture of Billy "Stix" Nix meeting with Jackie Robinson when he was here for a function. Ms. Powell also highlighted Attorney Charles Wills, who was involved in fighting against the Ku Klux Klan when they came into South Bend. Mr. Wills helped AME Zion incorporate some laws at the time to fight their efforts to keep the church from being built. Reverend Perry — who was the Olivet AME Church pastor for many years — was the first African American President of the Rotary Club here in South Bend, as well as a successful businessman, he had his own pharmacy out on Western Avenue. South Bend Community School Corporation's first African American teacher was a member of Olivet AME Church, Peggy Eskridge. Olivet AME Church has long partnered with the University of Notre Dame. The church hosted a large memorial for Father Hesburgh when he passed away, whenever an African American is brought in to receive an honorary doctorate or degree, the church hosts a reception for them. The church continues to be vibrant, victorious, and vital. Ms. Powell again reiterated how excited the congregation is to be a part of this project. Commissioner Gelfman thanked Ms. Powell and said how exciting this is, and how pleased and honored the Commission is to be reviewing this nomination. Ms. Powell thanked the Commission. Reverend Eileen Thomas (2608 Roys Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517) thanked the Commission for hearing this nomination. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Mr. John Charles Bryant (707 Harrison Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616) stated that he represented the Powell family. Five of the nine original founders of the congregation were of the Powell family. The church was founded on 310 W. Monroe Street, which was near downtown, and very close to the Lafayette School which was by the intersection of Lafayette and Monroe Street. The Church was originally wooden, and the second church was built in 1916. It was then moved in the 1970s to the Lowell Heights Methodist Church. The family is happy that preservationists are interested in adding this to the registry. Research has been done at Wilberforce College and other institutions with the AME church, but unfortunately the records just don't show. Mr. Bryant thanked the Commission. Administrator Feasel explained again that this will be on the agenda again next month to make the recommendation to the State and ultimately the National Park Service. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked Mr. Garner for clarification as to what he meant in his introduction about the recommendation.