Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Big Bethel A.M.E. Church

220 Auburn Avenue

— Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site —

Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Marker

Inscription. Big Bethel served as Sweet Auburn's City Hall, the site of mass meetings to improve the lives of Atlanta's blacks in the first half of the 20th century. The church established the Gate City Colored School, the first public school for black students in the city, and founded Morris Brown College. And here residents organized a drive that led to the construction of the first public high school for blacks in the Southeast, Booker T. Washington High School.

Bethel Church was the battleground. They came down here to talk to the black folks about this bond issue because the rich folks were not in favor of it. … we were in there like sardines … because we knew we needed a school. — Dr. Homer E. Nash, Living Atlanta

Caption: Pupils at the Gate City Colored School.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list.

Location. 33° 45.342′ N, 84° 22.833′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in the Hotel District. Marker

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is at the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive NE, on the right when traveling west on Auburn Avenue NE. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (a few steps from this marker); Bronner Brothers Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Integration of the Police Department (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hanley's Funeral Home (about 400 feet away); Auburn Avenue Underpass (about 400 feet away); John Calhoun Park (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named John Calhoun Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Regarding Big Bethel A.M.E. Church. Gate City Colored School began in the church's basement in 1879. Booker T. Washington High School opened in 1924 and continues to serve students of all colors. Among its notable alumni are Rev. Martin Luther King., Jr., Lena Horne and Lil Baby.

Also see . . .
1. In Honor of Big Bethel African American Episcopal (AME) Church. Congressional Record transcript of Oct. 15, 2007 remarks by Rep. John Lewis recognizing the church's 160th

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

2. Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Marker

Marker is left of the top of the steps.

anniversary. (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Booker T. Washington High School. Overview of the landmark school's history and architecture (Atlanta Urban Design Commission). (Submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.