The East Raleigh - South Park National Register Historic District has statewide significance as the largest historic black neighborhood in Raleigh, and one of the largest urban black residential and cultural concentrations in NC. The 30-block area lies east and south of downtown Raleigh, and is predominantly residential with working-class and middle-class housing, churches, and small grocery stores.
At 301 S Swain St. sits a 1920’s, 3-bay brick church with a steeply pitched slate roof and stained-glass windows on all floors. Originally the site of First Vanguard Presbyterian Church, this building has been home to multiple congregations over the years, briefly serving as a Salvation Army location, and eventually left vacant.
In 2019 the restoration process began under new ownership. The goal of this Historic Tax Credit rehabilitation project was to carefully and thoughtfully bring this Raleigh Historic Landmark back to life as a functional gathering space for the community (as it previously had been). Renovations included repairing the slate roof over the sanctuary, plaster restoration, retaining the stained-glass windows, and other historic wood-framed windows were restored and repaired onsite. Accessibility upgrades were also made to improve circulation throughout the site.
Today the church is home to the Southeast Raleigh Table United Methodist Church.
Swipe to see photos of the restored sanctuary and annex, as well as some historic images of the church in its original glory!
Photographed by: JR Photography
