Big Bethel A.M.E. Church

One of the iconic churches in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church stands out on the Atlanta skyline with its Jesus Saves sign on the church steeple. The church was founded in 1840 for enslaved members of the white Union Church, and it served many functions during the Civil War, including a hospital. During Reconstruction, Bethel A.M.E. housed Atlanta's first public school for African Americans and Morris Brown College in the basement. Big Bethel A.M.E. Church ministry has focused on civil rights since the movement days, from broadcasting sermons on Atlanta's WERD radio stations to building low-income housing units, and providing services to poor and imprisoned people.

Visitors are invited to attend church services on Sunday mornings.