Standing before Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church, you might feel a sense of calm amidst the bustling Atlanta city. The church is a spiritual haven in the heart of Morningside, a neighborhood as charming and diverse as the people who call it home. This isn’t just any church. It is named for a brother and sister who left their mark on the world with their unwavering faith and passion for social justice.
The tale of Haygood Memorial begins in 1926. It was then, that Druid Hills Methodist Episcopal Church decided to launch a new church, and they dedicated it to Bishop Atticus Greene Haygood and his sister, Laura Askew Haygood. Atticus Haygood was a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the president of Emory University. Laura Haygood was a missionary in China, a passionate educator and advocate for women’s rights. She championed educating women and worked tirelessly to offer those less fortunate in Atlanta a chance for a new start.
The Haygood legacy lives on here at Haygood Memorial. They continue to carry the torch of education, compassion, and service. They offer weekly programs for children and youth, weekday childcare, recreation ministries, and uphold the spirit of their namesakes. Taking a step into Haygood Memorial is stepping into a history of faith, social justice, and community.