Sweet Auburn in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Religious and Fraternal Institutions

Auburn Avenue

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. Religious and Fraternal Institutions Marker

Inscription. This block of Auburn Avenue was dominated by two important churches — Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion and St. Paul Episcopal — and the Parish and Industrial School, owned and operated by St. Paul for African American students.

These institutions were flanked by fraternal organizations dedicated to community service: the Elks, the Knights of Tabor, and the Prince Hall Masons. The Masonic Temple, built in 1940, housed several lodges. African American fraternal organizations began during the 18th century in the United States. These groups — with their characteristic pageantry and regalia — could be found in Black communities across the nation, aiding the downtrodden and fostering an atmosphere of cooperation, resourcefulness, and mutual aid.

Captions:
[Top] Herman Skip Mason Jr.
[Bottom] Atlanta Life Progressive Managers 1921 and YMCA men 1935. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 33° 45.334′ N, 84° 22.606′ W.

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Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in Sweet Auburn. It is at the intersection of Auburn Avenue NE and Hilliard Street NE, on the right when traveling west on Auburn Avenue NE. Marker is in front of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 330 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prince Hall Masonic Building (here, next to this marker); Alice Dugged Cary (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Auburn Avenue Branch (a few steps from this marker); Wheat Street Baptist Church (about 300 feet

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

2. Religious and Fraternal Institutions Marker

away, measured in a direct line); Dobbs Plaza (about 300 feet away); Soul Food Row (about 300 feet away); Haugabrooks Funeral Home (about 300 feet away); Cox Brothers Funeral (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Auburn Avenue Branch, Carnegie Library (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

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 294 times since then and 9 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.