ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In the heart of Parramore, there’s a story about preservation and persistence.

“One word: miracle. That’s why it’s on the banner,” said Pastor Dana “Action” Jackson. “And I’ve had that miracle sign up for two years and so I’m still trusting in him.”

Tuesday was deadline to raise money to qualify for a matching African-American cultural grant to restore Black Bottom House of Prayer, located on Westmoreland Drive, after the roof collapsed in 2019.

And while they fell short of their goal, the pastor said that they can still qualify for a half million dollar grant, restoring the church in phases.

The designated historic landmark worked to raise the $250,000 in order to qualify for the grant of $1 million, the estimated cost for repairs. As of Tuesday night, they raised more than $3,200.

Yet to Jackson, and many others in the Parramore community, Black Bottom is more than a church, now four walls with a crumbled roof.

Instead, it’s a communal gathering spot; a place where Jackson dreams of teaching things, from financial literacy to homeownership, and doling out lessons it took a lifetime for even she as a pastor to learn.

“I ended up being raised by an uneducated grandmother. My mother was on drugs, I didn’t get to go to law school. But I learned that the Bible is the first book of the law. And I learned that book pretty good,” she said.

At least two Sundays per month, they gather on the lawn under a tent and pray and sing.

Thanksgiving meant giving out baskets for families, as names of children and dream toys were jotted down for a Christmas giveaway this weekend.

Jackson said that though the church itself is in great need, it’s imperative they continue to give back and support their congregation.

“If I open my heart and meet the needs of these children, somebody’s going to open their heart and do something with this building. Somebody’s going to do it. I don’t have the resources to fix this building, but I can make some phone calls give up some toys and turkeys. That I can do,” she said.

In addition, Jackson said that they received some additional blessings, like a grant writer and local architect offering services, plus a letter of support.

Until restoration is finally underway, they will continue to pray and believe in the mission.

“Just as I asked Him to stop demolition, I asked Him for the resources,” she said. “It’s a sign of hope and healing. It’s a platform to do God’s work.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help raise funds to repair the Black Bottom House of Prayer's roof.

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