Great Revivalist Brew Lab has announced that they will be moving their operational hub to Clinton and will operate as a Great Revivalist Brewery.
The former Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church at 238 4th Avenue South will be preserved and transformed to a restaurant and brewery. The former Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church at 303-307 South 3rd Street will be repaired and rehabilitated and will be used for storage. Great Revivalist Brewery owner, Richard Schwab, was drawn to the former church at 238 4th Avenue South due to its historical and cultural significance. Schwab will be preserving the stained-glass windows and the original copy of an Italian tile fresco as well as repurposing wood from the pews to make tables. Schwab is also ready to undertake the needed repairs to preserve and save 303-307 South 3rd Street, which had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The church at 303-307 South 3rd Street was the first African American church in Clinton. Elizabeth Fairfax, a former slave and mother of 11 children, helped raise the $600 needed for the construction of the church by selling books. Duke Slator’s father was one of the pastors of the Bethel AME Church (at that time the African Methodist Episcopal Church). The church at 238 4th Avenue South was originally St. John’s Episcopal Church, with construction starting in 1898. The church has an original copy of an Italian tile fresco in that was done by an Italian artist. Bethel AME operations transitioned to the 238 4th Avenue South church in 2007. Unfortunately, operations were not able to resume after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The vision of Richard Schwab and Great Revivalist Brewery (GRB) fits amazingly well into the transformation that has been ongoing in the City of Clinton. GRB is a top tier producer of soda and ale but also provides topnotch lunch and dinner seven days a week. GRB is respected in their field and will create an expectational destination point in the City and for all of eastern Iowa.” ~ Matt Brooke, City Administrator
“The Brewery project is so exciting for our Downtown and Clinton overall. It is a partnership with the community, city and Downtown. When we all work together amazing things can happen. We are looking forward to the grand opening soon!” ~ Karen Rowell, Downtown Alliance Director
“We are extremely excited to welcome Great Revivalist Brewery to Clinton. I would like to thank Great Revivalist, the City Staff and our Downtown team for working quickly and diligently to bring this project to fruition. The remodel and revitalization of the historic churches in our community to house their business will not only add value to our downtown but help to preserve the history we hold so dear in Clinton. Our community has been eager to add a brewery in town and this partnership truly is a match made in heaven. We look forward to this location as a destination not only for our citizens but for those all around the area.” ~ Mayor Maddasion
“When investigating common factors leading to economic growth, there is no doubt that the existence of a brewery ranks in the top 10. The attraction of Great Revivalist Brewery to Clinton, IA, is a slam dunk for all involved! Creating jobs and added tax revenue is always the goal when recruiting a new company to our community, but this project injects an atmosphere that speaks to the increased well-being and quality of life associated with living in an exciting river town. I look forward to celebrating with the entire Great Revivalist Brewery team. Cheers!” ~ Andy Sokolovich, President & CEO, Grow Clinton
