Since the story's action was tied to the chapel's construction, a crew had to work through the night to keep up with its "progress" in the film. The actual building was real and could have stood for decades, but because it was built on rented property, it had to be demolished immediately after the filming was completed.
Sidney Poitier gave up his usual salary and agreed to do the film for a smaller amount and a percentage of the profits. He won the Best Actor Oscar for his efforts.
Sidney Poitier's singing in "Amen" was dubbed by Jester Hairston, who also composed the song. Hairston is also known for playing Rolly on Sherman Hemsley's television sitcom Amen (1986).
Filmed on-location in Tucson. The church doors were borrowed from the Chapel in Sasabe, Arizona.
Sidney Poitier "sings" throughout the movie. In his autobiography, he states he is tone-deaf - unable to sing on key.
Ralph Nelson: Mr. Ashton. Despite the role being sizable, Nelson did not give himself an onscreen credit for it.
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