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 1924 - First AME - Athens, GA
N 33° 57.659 W 083° 22.766
17S E 280140 N 3760380
One of the oldest African American congregations in Athens. Replaces the 1874 structure.
Waymark Code: WM5CGQ
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 12/17/2008
Views: 4
1866 - Pierce Chapel
Henry McNeal Turner, the first black appointed as an army chaplain, provided statewide leadership for the African Methodist church in Georgia and established many congregations. Organized in 1866, this church was named Pierce's Chapel in honor of the Reverend Lovick Pierce, a white minister who helped this congregation worship independently in a building on the Oconee River. The basement of this early church housed a school for adults and children, which served as a forerunner to the opening of the public school system in 1885. In December 1881, the congregation purchased the current site, which also included a building to be utilized as a parsonage.
1916 - New Sanctuary
Macon architect L. H. Persley and Athens builder R. F. Walker formulated the plans and constructed the church in 1916. In 1969 urban renewal plans required demolition of the parsonage, and in 1973, an education/community center building was built on an adjoining lot. As a prominent institution within the black community, the church continues to house the oldest black congregation in Athens.
1972 - CD Wilkerson Center
Under the leadership of Dr. Clayton D. Wilkerson, FAME experienced its greatest achievement by dedicating its educational center, deservedly named in honor of Dr. Wilkerson.
1980 - Historic Designation
The First A. M. E. Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (March 10, 1980).
1998 - First AME Church is officially recognized as a historic landmark by the Commissioners of Athens-Clarke County, GA..
2006 - During its 140th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, July 16, 2006, FAME formally dedicates a state historical marker on behalf of Louis H. Persley of Macon, GA, the first African American architect licensed in Georgia and designer of First AME Church.
Year of construction: 1924
Cross-listed waymark: [Web Link]
Full inscription:
AMEC
Upon this rock I build my church
July 16, 1874
Erected 1924 in honor of Rev JW Dore, founder, Rev WA Fountain Jr, finisher.
Erected by Bishop Allen Club, Mattie Lyle, Pres, SB Ray, VP, Julia D Lee, Sec, LS Jackson, Asst Sec, Eliza Rivers, treas, Sarah E Britton, Sec.
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