In the past, preservation battles have put religious memberships in tough spots. The First African Baptist Church in South Philadelphia sold for $2.05 million in 2016, less than the $3.2 million than the church had initially hoped for from a developer, according to prices disclosed to the Inquirer in 2015. First African Baptist was the subject of a fierce preservation battle years ago when its pastor sought to sell the property. Ultimately, the church was designated historic before the sale.