Wheat Street Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wheat Street Baptist Church |
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Wheat Street Baptist Church (2020)
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 Wheat Street Baptist Church
Location in Atlanta
Wheat Street Baptist Church
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Wheat Street Baptist Church
Location in the United States
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| 33°45′19″N 84°22′32″W / 33.7551682°N 84.3756783°W | |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | August 1921 |
Wheat Street Baptist Church is a historic Black Baptist church. It is located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. The church was founded in 1869. The building that stands today was built in 1921. It is right next to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This church is famous for its important role in the Civil Rights Movement. This was especially true when William Holmes Borders was its pastor from 1937 to 1988.
Contents
A Look Back: Church History
The church began in 1869. It was started by members of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. They wanted a church closer to their homes. Seven people founded a church called Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Howell Street. They first held services outdoors under a simple shelter.
Early Years and Moves
Andrew Jackson was the church's first pastor. He led the church until 1874. The church moved several times. Eventually, it settled at its current spot on Auburn Avenue. This street was once known as Wheat Street, which is how the church got its name.
Helping the Community
In 1881, the church played a part in the 1881 Atlanta washerwomen strike. Over 500 striking workers held a meeting there. This showed the church's early commitment to helping its community. In 1894, the Butler Street YMCA was started in the church's basement. P. James Bryant served as the church's pastor from 1898 to 1928.
Building a New Home
The current church building was finished in August 1921. This happened after the old building was destroyed in the Great Atlanta fire of 1917. In 1932, Wheat Street hosted a meeting for the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights.
A Leader for Change
In 1937, William Holmes Borders became the church's pastor. He stayed in this role until 1988. Borders became a very important leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He even influenced a young Martin Luther King Jr.. King often listened to Borders's sermons. Borders's wife had also been King's English teacher.
Making a Difference: Community Programs
Wheat Street Baptist Church is well-known for its programs that help the community. On March 7, 1956, it became one of the first churches in the United States to start a federal credit union. It was the very first Black church to do so. A credit union helps people save money and get loans.
The church also has a charity foundation. It also runs a housing program. In 1999, the church owned over $33 million worth of real estate. This made it one of the wealthiest Black churches in the United States. This wealth helps the church continue its important work in the community.
