Belton receives $100,000 grant for historic preservation

Mount Zion United Methodist Church will benefit from a grant the city of Belton received from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

PAUL ROMER | CITY OF BELTON

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded the City of Belton a $100,000 grant from the Preserving Black Churches grant program. The funds will support the Belton Mount Zion United Methodist Church Preservation and Rehabilitation Project.

The project will provide the Church with funding to help preserve the exterior and interior of the original building, including the repair and restoration of siding, windows, roof, doors, flooring, lighting, bell tower, wood ceiling, heating/ventilation, furniture, landscaping, and audio/visual equipment.

The Church, located at 218 N. Alexander Street, is a prominent feature along the Nolan Creek Hike & Bike Trail, in the vicinity of the historic Harris Community Center. The city is partnering with Mount Zion on the project in two ways: as the grant applicant, and by providing funding or in-kind services to assist with the installation of water lines, meters, fire hydrant, dedicated fire service line for a fire sprinkler system, architechtural fees, and waiving of building permit fees up to $10,000.