BRADENTON, Fla. — An organization in Manatee County is advocating for the preservation of an historic church in Bradenton.
The Manatee Village 1887 Church has been highlighted as one of the 11 historical sites facing threats in 2025, according to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
Now that it has been included in the “11 to Save” initiative, it is set to receive more assistance.
Andrea Knies emphasizes the importance of preserving history.
“You can’t replace history,” she stated. “Also, historical buildings cannot be replaced.”
Knies serves as the acting president of Friends of Manatee Village, a nonprofit organization she has been involved with since 2017.
“I’ve always been part of historic societies,” she recounted. “I joined my first one in Indiana at 15, so this is part of who I am.”
Currently, she stands in front of the Manatee Village 1887 Church located in the Manatee Village Historical Park.
Last month, it was designated as one of the 11 historical sites under threat in Florida.
“I hope this church remains a venue where we connect with history, and a place for people to celebrate and gather for many more years,” she expressed.
Earlier this year, Knies applied for the church to be included in the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 to Save” list, believing it would lead to more funding for repairs, including a new roof.
“We will have specialists from across the state,” she added. “They’ll collaborate on innovative methods to ensure this building is preserved with its historical integrity intact.”
She advocates for the church’s preservation due to its significant history within the community.
“In 1975, it was set for demolition, yet they managed to relocate it here,” she shared. “Even at its inception, the congregation endured yellow fever and persevered to complete it.”
As the list was released just last month, Knies noted her organization is still in the preliminary stages of planning for the necessary repairs.
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