Newark Church Candidate for Preservation Grant

Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church on Broadway is among 37 sites recommended to share in $1.3 million in grants being disbursed by the New Jersey Historic Trust, state officials recently announced.

Built in 1874 in the High Victorian Gothic style, the church was designed by architect William Appleton Potter, who also worked on churches throughout the Northeast as well as a number of buildings on the campus of Princeton University.

An African-American congregation began worshiping there in 1930.

The church is a candidate for about $41,000 in funds. In 1995, $195,000 was allocated by the trust to the church. The Garden State Preservation Trust must now sign off on the grant list before projects are considered for final approval by the state Legislature.

“The Historic Trust’s continued support for the preservation of New Jersey’s heritage helps our communities maintain their sense of place and brings buildings back to active and valued  use,” state Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Richard E. Constable III said in a statement. “These matching grants go to projects that encourage local investment, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and attract tourism. New Jersey’s history is a great asset for attracting residents and businesses to participate in our state’s growth and development.”