Rev. Willie D. McClung Sr., Ph.D

Rev. Willie D. McClung, Sr., Ph.D., has dedicated his life to safeguarding one of the most sacred sites in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement: the Holt Street Baptist Church Civil Rights Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. As a minister, builder, and preservationist, he has spent decades protecting both the physical structure and the historical legacy of Holt Street. Learn more about the movement of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A Site of National Significance

Holt Street Baptist Church holds a defining place in American history. In December 1955, its walls held the mass meetings that galvanized the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Thousands gathered there in faith, unity, and determination. Together, they launched a 381-day movement that changed the nation. To read more about this history and the boycott’s leaders, visit the National Park Service’s overview.

Decades of Leadership and Stewardship

Rev. Willie D. McClung Sr. has served Holt Street Baptist Church with distinction for decades. He has led not only in ministry, but also in stewardship of the church’s historic legacy. He played a central role in reconstructing the church’s worship center and preserving its original structure. As a result, Holt Street remains both a place of active worship and a site of national historical significance.

Founding the Holt Street Baptist Church Civil Rights Museum

Rev. McClung, Sr. recognized the importance of telling this story to future generations. So, he led the effort to establish the Holt Street Baptist Church Civil Rights Museum. His vision: create a world-class interpretive experience that places Holt Street in its rightful position as a foundational site of the Civil Rights Movement. The museum educates visitors about the origins of the boycott, the power of collective action, and the enduring role of faith in the struggle for justice.

Guiding the Museum’s Growth

As Chairman of the Board of the Holt Street Baptist Church Civil Rights Museum, Rev. Willie D. McClung Sr. guides strategic planning, fundraising, and partnerships to advance the museum project. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to historical accuracy, community engagement, and national recognition of Holt Street’s role in American history.

Moreover, he led the efforts to found and build the Holt Street Memorial Baptist Church. In 1998, Holt Street Baptist Church relocated to a larger campus to support its growing ministry while preserving its historic legacy. Today, Holt Street Memorial Baptist Church is located on South Court Street, on a campus known as The Village.

Continuing a historic Legacy

Rev. Willie D. McClung Sr.’s work extends beyond preservation—it continues the legacy itself. By telling the story of the 381-day boycott with clarity, dignity, and truth, he connects past struggles to present and future generations.

Through his vision and leadership, the Holt Street Baptist Church Civil Rights Museum stands as more than a historic landmark. It remains a living symbol of faith, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom.