A Delray Beach church could be recognized for its role in the city's history.
Tonight, commissioners will vote whether to formally list Ridley Temple Church of God in Christ on the register of historic places.
The designation could help church leaders apply for grants to renovate the church and help it initiate new outreach programs in the community.
Deacon Willie Dublin still remembers his first time visiting the church.
"I would come here on Sundays and I would sit right here," he says pointing to the first pew.
The spot was reserved for him and his brother when he was 5-years-old.
That was 50 years ago. He says he still sees miracles at the Pentecostal church at 102 SW 12th Avenue. But now the paint is peeling, a child care center in the lower level has been empty for years and the kitchen is in bad shape.
Deacon Dublin is praying the city will label the church as an historical place.
"We are hoping this will help us and propel us to the initiatives we want to complete here at Ridley Temple," he says.
Plans include renovating the downstairs, including the kitchen. Replacing carpet and wood paneling in the sanctuary and repainting the outside of the building.
Then, the church will focus on outreach programs. It has already planned a community day in April to hand out free food and clothes to the needy.
"I believe within my heart that this church is going to come back as usual," says Ruby Williams, a member of the church since 1951.
She used to run the child care center in the church. She would like to see programs like that restarted.
Her grandson became the pastor at the church last month.
Together they pray the new initiatives will shine God's light past the walls of the church, enriching the Atlantic Park Garden neighborhood.
City documents show the church was first built in 1949. Members added the second level in 1956. It was built in a Caribbean style with two staircases going to the second floor sanctuary. Breezeblocks surround the staircases, which was a common architectural design from Miami between 1945 and 1960.
The city says Ridley Temple was the first church in this neighborhood to support the African American community, particularly reaching out to migrant workers who worked in western farms.
