Click here for updates on this story

BOSTON, Massachusetts ( WBZ ) -- A historic Baptist church in Boston is undergoing major renovations with help from some former inmates.

Felipe Colon served 21 years in prison for manslaughter, but less than two months after his release, he found himself volunteering at Tremont Temple Baptist Church. He said the restoration work has given his life a new purpose. He is now helping give America's first integrated church a much-needed makeover.

"We could've made a lot of mistakes. We could've burned a lot of bridges. But this church burned down, and then 100 years later, it's being renovated. This is basically an example of what you can do with our own selves," Colon said.

Inspired by former inmates

Pastor Jamie Owens said seeing crews of volunteers

See Full Page