Beyond these walls lies a story. It is about faith community and history all intertwined at Stewart Avenue Baptist Church.
Stewart Avenue Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith in Atlanta. It is a place where community bonds have strengthened. The church has also evolved alongside the city.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Atlanta transitioning from a railroad town to an urban center. Around this time land speculators saw the future growth of this area. George Washington Adair was one of these visionaries. He bought land anticipating the city’s expansion.
Adair joined Richard Peters in 1870. Together they formed the Atlanta Street Railway Company. The company brought horsecar access to the area. Adair also established the Atlanta Real Estate Company. He continued buying land for development. Before his death in 1889 Adair became Atlanta’s largest property developer.
His sons George and Forrest carried on his legacy. They designed the Adair Park subdivision. Then they began selling lots in 1910. Adair Park including Stewart Avenue Baptist Church became a small working-class neighborhood. It housed modest homes for white families.
By the 1950s the surrounding neighborhoods had become majority-black. White flight began in 1955. This was triggered by a property sale to a black family. Despite efforts to maintain segregation the transition continued.
In 1969 an interesting event occurred. The Georgia grand dragon of the United Klans of America became the Adair Park Civic Club’s vice chairman. A day later he and a black real estate agent were elected to policy positions. They were part of Atlanta’s federally sponsored Model Cities Program.
The latter half of the 20th century was hard. Adair Park and Stewart Avenue Baptist Church faced decline. But by the 2000s revitalization began. Young professionals moved back into the neighborhood. They settled alongside long-time residents. They were attracted by the affordable bungalows and community spirit.
Today Stewart Avenue Baptist Church continues to be a vital part of the community. The Baptist denomination is the largest free church denomination. It has over forty-three million members worldwide. Nearly thirty-three million Baptists live in America. Baptist churches trace their origins back to John Smyth and the Separatist Movement in 1608.
Baptist churches believe in the baptism of adult believers. They do not baptize infants. Baptist denominations follow a congregational church governance. Each congregation is governed independently.
Stewart Avenue Baptist Church remains a beacon. It symbolizes resilience and community. Its story reflects the ever-changing landscape of Atlanta. It shows the enduring power of faith.