16th Street Baptist Church, 1530 6th Ave N | Birmingham, AL
Stained Glass and Shattered Innocence...
Several years ago, I stood outside this historic church, gazing up at its red-brick façade, feeling the weight of history but never stepping inside. I had no idea at the time that guided tours were available. This visit changed everything. Walking through the doors this time, I was met with something deeper—an emotional reckoning that left an unforgettable mark on my heart.
The 16th Street Baptist Church isn’t just a church; it’s a living monument to the civil rights movement. What happened here on September 15, 1963, was a moment of unspeakable tragedy and injustice. A bombing, carried out by white supremacists, took the lives of four little girls—Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley. Their deaths shook the nation and fueled the fight for racial equality. Yet, what many don’t realize is that two young Black boys—Johnny Robinson and Virgil Ware—were also killed in separate, racially motivated attacks that same day.
The Tour Experience
Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, lasting approximately 50 minutes at a cost of $10 per person. Tours begin on the hour, and punctuality is critical—if you’re even three minutes late, you won’t be allowed to join. A specific entrance is designated for tours, and masks are required upon entry.
Descending a few steps, the journey into history begins. Along the walls, a timeline unfolds—the church’s beginnings, its pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and the tragic bombing that forever changed Birmingham. The experience is immersive, leading to a small but well-curated gift shop offering meaningful memorabilia.
A significant part of the tour takes place in an auditorium where visitors watch a deeply moving film about the church and its role in the fight for equality. The focus, of course, is on the four little girls, but what struck me the most was hearing about Johnny Robinson and Virgil Ware. Their names are not always spoken in the same breath, yet their lives were also stolen by the same hatred that rocked Birmingham that day. No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed during this part of the tour—a rule that only deepens the sacredness of the experience.
Inside the Sanctuary
From the auditorium, we moved upstairs to the main sanctuary, where we sat in the pews, absorbing the words of a longtime church member who has been part of this congregation since the 1960s. Here, photography is permitted.
One of the most breathtaking sights inside the church is the stained-glass window gifted by the children of Wales, UK. Designed by artist John Petts, the window was a symbol of solidarity, crafted and donated with funds raised entirely by the Welsh people. It depicts a Black Christ with arms stretched wide, a reference to both suffering and hope. The inscription at the bottom reads: “You do it to me.” This window serves as a powerful reminder that even in tragedy, there are those who choose to stand in solidarity against injustice.
Final Thoughts
The 16th Street Baptist Church is part of the National Park Service, so if you have a passport stamp book, don’t forget to get it stamped before you leave!
Was the tour worth it? Absolutely. Even though I came in already knowing the story, I left with a deeper understanding, newfound knowledge, and a heavy yet necessary feeling of reflection. I walked out with a bag full of memorabilia, but more importantly, a heart full of reverence.
This isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel.
