Jesus Saves

This Jesus Saves sign can be seen from almost any location in Atlanta - I love the fact that it really stands out while you are riding on the extremly busy 75/85 interchange through downtown - it simply cannot be missed - if you don't see it, you aren't looking at the skyline.

The sign sits atop Big Bethel A.M.E church, which was founded in 1847 and is and is the oldest predominantly African American congregation in the Atlanta area. In 1911, President William H. Taft spoke from the pulpit of Big Bethel.

The original church had a fire in 1920 and was rebuilt in 1922 (though some original walls remain). It was then that the Jesus Saves sign was erected on the steeple.

Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

As I have mentioned before, Atlanta has a lot of beautiful old churches. Thank the Lord (literally) that they are still there and we can enjoy them and attend them. This is the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1848. (That is the state capitol in the backgrown)

During the Civil War (often called by southerners as the "War of Northern Aggression"), Father Thomas O'Reilly served as the pastor. We owe Father O'Reilly a great deal of gratituded. Since, it was because of him, we still have many of our beautiful churches.

Like many churches during the time, this church served as a hospital. Father O'Reilly administered impartially to both Union and Confederate soldiers. He knew they were all God's children.

In early September, 1962, Atlanta fell into the hands of Union troops. But Father O'Reilly refused to give up his parsonage to Yankee officers, who were seeking out quarters. He convinced General Sherman to spare several churches and nearby homes. In addition, there were a larger number of Catholics in the Union army, who volunteered to protect their Church.

Thereby City Hall was damaged but not burned. The Second Baptist, Second (Central) Presbyterian, Trinity and Catholic churches and all the residences adjacent between Mitchell and Peters (Trinity Avenue) streets and Loyd and Washington streets were safe, all attributable to Father O'Reilly. He is an Atlanta Hero! His crypt is in this church (so I hear, I've never been inside)

Here is a rare photo of what the church and surrounding area was like in 1873. The church looks the same but the area looks very, very different.

Church of the Common Ground

This is the Church of the Common Ground. It is a church service that takes place every Sunday in Woodruff Park. The congregation is mostly comprised of homeless people, but it is also designed for those that feel as though traditional church services are just not for them. Just like any other church, they offer Bible studies, but they also offer medical clinics. What a wonderful ministry!