Soapstone Preservation Endowment Protecting Promoting the History of Soapstone Baptist Church Grant Puts Endowment 190000 from 1 Million Goal The National Trust for Historic Preservations African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund selected the Soapstone Preservation Endowment SPE from among 622 applications nationwide to receive a 250000 grant that goes to support growing a perpetual endowment to protect promote Soapstone Baptist Churchs buildings grounds. SPE Chairman Carlton Owen notes If just 58 businesses churches and individualsfamilies take up our Partnership Challenge and join 42 others who have given a onetime gift of 3000 or 1000year over 3 years we will completeour campaign this year in time to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the foundingof the Liberia Community. To help spur the campaign across the finish line Preston Bailey of Traveling Panda Media has created two videos to help spread the inspiring message and opportunity Soapstone School Undergoes Renovation The oneroom school which was once the only school for African American children in the area is undergoing renovation led generously by Harper General Contractors. The building plans to open to visitors spring of 2025.