"This chapel is all that is left from the old Clearwater Heights African American community that once thrived here. Let's preserve it as a historical landmark and open it back up for services, weddings, and events."

Barbara Sorey-Love
Clearwater African American Foundation

 

1909

Mack Dixon moves to Clearwater

Coming from an accomplished family, Mack Dixon, Sr, purchases 20 acres in Clearwater and establishes the Mack Dixon subdivision. Within a few years, this became the center of African American life.

1930's

Community thrived!

Now known as Clearwater Heights, the subdivision established African American churches, cemeteries, and Clearwater's first all-black schools, including the "Colored Junior High". Today, all that is left of this once-thriving neighborhood is this little chapel on the corner of Gould Street & South Madison Avenue.

2025

A rare opportunity.

Our team is working hard to raise the funds to purchase and preserve this historic chapel. During the day, the grounds will be open to the public to enjoy a memorial garden (in the back of the property) that tells the story of Clearwater Heights. The buildings will be fully restored and available to host church services, weddings, and events for up to 150 attendees.

 

409 S. Madison Ave

Help us #SaveTheChapel

With your support and advocacy, we will be able to preserve an important part of Clearwater's history, establish a Bible-teaching church downtown, and create a historic venue that Clearwater can enjoy for weddings, concerts, and events!