Gospel Music Hall of Fame - Missouri

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Gospel is related to or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues.

However, those who follow the teachings of Christ understand and know the true definition behind the word Gospel meaning good news.

The praiseworthy news we want to share with the world is our ambitious endeavor to establish a Gospel Music Hall of Fame right here in Missouri!

This honorary initiative was founded by The Butler Group and Inspired Lives Foundation, which has partnered with Steve Smith of The Lawrence Group to restore the magnificent Romanesque building, the former Second Baptist Church on 500 N Kingshighway, in the heart of the Holy Corners, a historic landmark district.

This historic church is stunningly beautiful; unfortunately, it has been vacant for many years and needs significant restoration work to transform into what will be an anchor for the neighborhood and cultural arts institution.

But then the church caught fire...

On October 26, 2021, disaster struck. The steeple was hit by lightning and caught fire, extensively damaging an already delicate structure.

We started this GoFundMe because we need your help to secure and revitalize the site as we are campaigning for additional funding to commence renovation. The money we raise will go to securing and restoring the fencing, doors, and windows, landscaping, and hiring St. Louis muralists to paint the site with influential artwork to help bring vitality to the building facade.

Any additional money we raise will go towards our community outreach events and programs to further push awareness about this spiritually driven project to promote the spreading of the gospel (good news).

Our dream is to create an inspiring cultural arts destination that educates and moves visitors of all races and religions. When completed, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame - Missouri will include a museum, cultural arts center, classrooms, a state-of-the-art theatre and performance space, and an outdoor courtyard featuring a cafe and dining, nestled among landscaping and water attractions.

Together we can save this wonderful building and turn it into something special for the community while honoring the heritage of gospel music and bringing its power to a new generation!!!

Please join us as we start this exciting journey and build the Gospel Music Hall of Fame of Missouri.

On behalf of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame - Missouri team, let me say we are all SO grateful for your support! It means so much to us, the people of the neighborhood, and the whole community of gospel music lovers!

Thank you!!!