Second Baptist Church in Warren opened its doors to the community for the announcement of its Historic Chapel Restoration Project.

The church, located on Main Avenue SW, is one of the oldest African American church buildings in the region.

The chapel will be dedicated to the sacrifice and service of local veterans and current servicemembers, particularly those of African American descent.

Once the restoration project is completed, the building will host community gatherings and historic presentations. It will also be offered free of charge to the families of deceased veterans for funeral or memorial services.

The church has a long history of military service, with more than 100 past and present members having served the country.

Second Baptist Chapel was founded in 1919 on Walnut Street in the area of Warren formerly known as "The Flats." The church moved to its Main Avenue location in the 1970s and last underwent renovations in the mid-1990s.

In 2021, the chapel was vandalized leaving damage to five stained-glass windows. Since then, improvements have been underway including the addition of a wheelchair ramp and a flagpole. A commemorative plaque will be installed and window repairs are expected to finish up in November.

The improvements are part of the church's Vision100 project, a multiyear renovation and expansion effort.