Did you know that Wheat Street Baptist Church played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s history? This wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a beacon of hope and change.
Wheat Street Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Founded in 1869 by members seeking a closer place to worship. These members came from First Baptist Church in Atlanta. They initially named it Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Services began humbly under a bush arbor on Howell Street.
Imagine the determination of those first members. They faced challenges but their spirit remained strong. Andrew Jackson served as the first pastor until 1874. The church moved several times before settling on Auburn Avenue. At that time it was known as Wheat Street. This is how the church got its present name.
Wheat Street Baptist Church became a hub for social justice. In 1881 it hosted a meeting of over 500 strikers during the Atlanta washerwomen strike. This showed the church’s commitment to supporting the community. In 1894 the Butler Street YMCA was formed in the church basement.
The original church building was destroyed in the Great Atlanta fire of 1917. But the congregation rebuilt. The current edifice was constructed in August 1921. It stands as a symbol of their unwavering faith.
From 1898 to 1928 P. James Bryant served as pastor. His leadership helped the church grow stronger. In 1932 Wheat Street hosted a meeting of the NAACP. This further solidified its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
William Holmes Borders became pastor in 1937. He remained in that role until 1988. Borders was a prominent Civil Rights activist. He influenced a young Martin Luther King Jr. King often attended Borders’ sermons. Borders’ wife had even been King’s English teacher.
Wheat Street is also known for its community outreach. On March 7 1956 it became one of the first churches in the US to sponsor a federal credit union. It was the first black church to do so. The church maintains a charitable foundation and housing ministry. In 1999 it held over $33 million in real estate. This made it one of the richest black churches in the United States.
Today Wheat Street Baptist Church stands adjacent to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. It continues to be a vital part of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. It is a place where faith and action meet. The Action Mission Ministry continues the legacy of service. It provides food clothing and support to those in need. The ministry’s roots go back to Reverend Dr. William Holmes Borders Sr. His focus was serving the Auburn Avenue community.
Wheat Street Baptist Church is more than just a building. It is a living legacy of faith. It’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community.