Big Bethel AME Church facts for kids

The Big Bethel AME Church is a very important church for African Americans located on Sweet Auburn, a famous street in Atlanta, Georgia. It has a long history of helping the community and supporting education and civil rights.

A Look Back: The Church's History

The Big Bethel AME Church started way back in 1847. It was first known as Union Church in a place called Marthasville, Georgia. Over time, its name changed a few times, eventually becoming Big Bethel AME Church. After the American Civil War, a big war in the United States, the church grew and became part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church group. Its first leader was Reverend Joseph Woods.

Education and Community Support

Big Bethel AME Church played a huge role in education for African Americans in Atlanta.

• First Public School: In 1879, the very first public school for Black children in Atlanta, called Gate City Colored School, began in the church's basement! This was a big step for education in the city. Later, the school moved to a different location.
• Morris Brown College: Morris Brown College, a college for African American students, also held its first classes inside Big Bethel Church in 1881. The church helped many people get an education when opportunities were limited.

Because of its importance to the community, Big Bethel was often called "Sweet Auburn's City Hall." This shows how central it was to the lives of people in the area.

Famous Visitors and Civil Rights

Many important people have visited Big Bethel AME Church over the years.

• President Taft: In 1911, William Howard Taft, who was the President of the United States at the time, gave a speech at the church.
• Nelson Mandela: Even more recently, in 1990, Nelson Mandela, a famous leader from South Africa who fought for equal rights, also spoke at the church.

During the 1960s, a time when many people were fighting for civil rights in America, the church was a regular meeting place for the Atlanta Negro Voters League. This group worked to help African Americans register to vote and have their voices heard.

The Heaven Bound Play

A special play called Heaven Bound is performed every year at the church. This play was written by people who attended Big Bethel, and it's a long-standing tradition.