Edgehill in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Rev. Bill Barnes
1931-2017
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 29, 2020
1. Rev. Bill Barnes Marker
Reverend William L. 'Bill' Barnes, a pastor, civil rights leader and teacher, was often called the 'conscience of Nashville.' Rev. Barnes passionately agitated for legislation that would help those marginalized by race, social class, sexual orientation, incarceration or homelessness. He also founded many organizations to bring attention to those issues including MANNA (1975), Project Return (1979) and the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill (O.N.E.) Barnes Scholarship (1995).
In 1966 Rev. Barnes founded Edgehill United Methodist Church, one of Nashville's first intentionally integrated churches. His work, addressing issues like affordable housing, often centered in the Edgehill community. Barnes wanted his work to be carried into the future, believing, much like Saint Oscar Romero, that 'The temple shall remain unfinished until all are housed in dignity.' In 2013 The Barnes Housing Trust, the city's affordable housing fund, was named in his honor.
Erected 2019 by The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. Donated by Friends and Family of Bill Barnes. (Marker Number 203.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 36° 8.594′ N, 86° 47.45′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Edgehill. Marker is at the intersection of Edgehill Avenue and 15th Avenue South, on the left when traveling east on Edgehill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1502 Edgehill Ave, Nashville TN 37212, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mississippi to Nashville (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nashville's Music Row (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1303 16th Avenue South/1225, 1227, 1301, 1303, 1305 16th Avenue South (approx. 0.2 miles away); DeFord Bailey (approx. ¼ mile away); Belmont Church and Koinonia Coffeehouse / Contemporary Christian Music (approx. ¼ mile away); The Edgehill Community (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Edmondson Studio and Home Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); Scarritt College for Christian Workers (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 29, 2020
2. Rev. Bill Barnes Marker reverse
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 29, 2020
3. Rev. Bill Barnes Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 291 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
