Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church

Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is a historic Baptist church located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. The church has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and has been a significant part of the African American community in Atlanta. The church's history is closely tied to notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and Andrew Young, who were all influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The church is also a member of the Atlanta Baptist Association and the Georgia Baptist Convention.

● History

The history of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church began in 1877, when a group of African American Baptists in Atlanta decided to establish a new church. The church was initially known as the Piney Grove Baptist Church and was located in a small building on Pine Street in Atlanta. Over the years, the church grew and expanded, and in 1906, it was renamed Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. The church has been led by several notable pastors, including Rev. William Holmes Borders, who served as the church's pastor from 1937 to 1988 and was a close friend and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr.. The church has also been a hub for Civil Rights Movement activities, hosting events and meetings featuring prominent leaders such as Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. The church is also a member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

● Architecture

The current building of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church was constructed in 1961 and features a unique blend of Modern and Gothic Revival architectural styles. The church's design was influenced by the work of notable architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, and features a striking stained glass window designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The church's building has been recognized as a historic landmark by the National Register of Historic Places and the Georgia Historic Preservation Division. The church's architecture is also similar to that of other notable churches, such as the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the SCLC's 16th Street Baptist Church. The church has also undergone renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in 2001 led by the architectural firm HOK.

● Ministry

The ministry of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church is focused on serving the spiritual and social needs of the African American community in Atlanta. The church offers a range of programs and services, including Sunday school, Bible study, and community outreach programs. The church is also home to several notable ministries, including the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Choir, which has performed at events featuring notable figures such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles. The church's ministry is also supported by organizations such as the United Way and the Salvation Army. The church has also partnered with other organizations, such as the NAACP and the Urban League, to provide services and support to the community.

● Community Impact

Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church has had a significant impact on the African American community in Atlanta and beyond. The church has been a hub for Civil Rights Movement activities and has hosted events and meetings featuring prominent leaders such as Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Stokely Carmichael. The church has also provided support and services to the community, including food banks, health clinics, and job training programs. The church has also been recognized for its community service by organizations such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The church has also partnered with other community organizations, such as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Fulton County Department of Health.

● Notable Events

Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church has hosted a number of notable events over the years, including the 1963 Southern Christian Leadership Conference convention, which featured a keynote address by Martin Luther King Jr.. The church has also hosted events featuring notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton. The church has also been the site of several notable funerals, including the 1993 funeral of Maynard Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta. The church has also hosted concerts and performances featuring notable artists such as Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Kirk Franklin. The church has also been featured in several notable films and documentaries, including the 1994 film Panther and the 2014 documentary Selma. Category:Churches in Atlanta, Georgia