Big Bethel AME Church: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Atlanta Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, located in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district, stands as a beacon of African American faith, culture, and activism. Established in 1847, it is Atlanta’s oldest African American congregation and a vital landmark on Auburn Avenue. With its Romanesque Revival architecture, the iconic neon “Jesus Saves” cross, and a legacy that spans education, civil rights, and the arts, Big Bethel offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. This guide provides comprehensive information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, tours, and the church’s historical significance, while connecting you to nearby Atlanta historical sites for a well-rounded heritage tour.

For the latest updates and visitor information, consult the Big Bethel AME Church Official Website and resources like the Georgia Historical Society.

Table of Contents

Location and Directions

Address: 220 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Big Bethel AME Church is centrally located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. The church is easily accessible by car or public transportation:

  • By Car: Major interstates (I-75, I-85, I-20) provide straightforward routes. From I-85/I-75, exit at Jesse Hill, Jr. Drive, and follow signs to Auburn Avenue. Detailed directions are available on the church’s website.
  • By Public Transit: MARTA’s King Memorial and Peachtree Center Stations are within a 10–15 minute walk (Join My Church Directions).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Regular Hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday Services: 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM

Special Events & Tours:

  • Guided tours are available by appointment and can be booked through the official website or by calling the church office.
  • Admission is free for all visitors; donations are appreciated to support preservation and community programs.

Parking:

  • Free street parking is available on Sundays.
  • A church-owned metered lot is behind the church at John Wesley Dobbs and Jesse Hill Drive (pay at the meter).
  • Additional paid parking is available nearby (Big Bethel Parking Info).

Accessibility and Facilities

Big Bethel AME Church is committed to welcoming all visitors:

  • Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances
  • Designated seating for people with disabilities
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Deaf signing ministry
  • Spacious sanctuary and balcony seating

Visitors with additional needs should contact the church in advance to arrange accommodations.


Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years:
Big Bethel AME Church was founded in 1847, initially serving both enslaved and free African Americans. It became a crucial spiritual and social hub, providing a safe haven during segregation and playing a pivotal role in the post-Civil War era (Georgia Historical Society).

Education and Social Leadership:
The church hosted Atlanta’s first public school for African Americans and the first classes of Morris Brown College. It also supported health and literacy initiatives for newly freed Black residents.

Civil Rights and Community Activism:
Throughout the 20th century, Big Bethel served as a meeting place for major civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The church’s sermons were broadcast on WERD, the nation’s first Black-owned radio station, extending its influence (ATL Tours).

Historic Moments:

  • Marcus Garvey’s 1917 Lecture: Garvey’s first Atlanta speech was delivered here, marking a milestone in Black self-determination (Caribbean National Weekly; Jamaica Observer).
  • Preservation: The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has received grants for restoration to sustain its mission.

Architectural Features

Romanesque Revival Design:
The current sanctuary, completed in the 1920s, was designed by John Anderson Lankford. Its red-brick façade, rounded arches, and twin towers reflect the Romanesque Revival style (georgiahistory.com).

Iconic “Jesus Saves” Cross:
Installed in 1922, the neon blue cross atop the steeple is a landmark in Atlanta’s skyline, symbolizing hope and faith (bigbethelame.org).

Interior Highlights:

  • Historic stained-glass windows
  • Pipe organ
  • Balcony seating and a spacious nave

Artistic Heritage:

  • “Heaven Bound” Folk Drama: First performed in 1930, this annual religious drama is one of the nation’s longest-running and showcases Black theatrical traditions (Georgia Historical Society).

Cultural and Community Contributions

  • Education: Site of the city’s first Black public school and early classes for Morris Brown College.
  • Social Services: Provides addiction recovery support, homeless outreach, and youth mentoring.
  • Annual Events: “Heaven Bound” drama and community forums.
  • Modern Mission: Continues to advocate for justice, equity, and cultural preservation.

Guided Tours and Special Events

  • Guided Tours: Available by appointment for individuals and groups. Contact the church office or check the event calendar.
  • Special Events: Includes performances, lectures, and commemorations such as the Marcus Garvey plaque unveiling.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring other Sweet Auburn sites:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Atlanta Daily World Newspaper Building
  • Royal Peacock Ballroom
  • Herndon Home Mansion
  • Auburn Avenue Research Library
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

For more heritage sites, consult ATL Tours.


Visitor Tips

  • Arrive Early: Especially for Sunday services or major events.
  • Dress Code: Business casual or traditional Sunday attire is appreciated.
  • Photography: Exterior shots are welcome; interior photography is restricted during worship.
  • COVID-19 Precautions: Check the official website for updates on safety protocols.
  • Dining: Sweet Auburn offers diverse dining options, including Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Breakfast At Barney’s, and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint (Wanderboat Dining).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the visiting hours?

  • Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday services at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there an admission fee?

  • No, admission is free. Donations are welcome.

Are guided tours available?

  • Yes, by appointment.

Is the church accessible?

  • Yes, including ramps, accessible restrooms, and a deaf signing ministry.

Where can I park?

  • Free Sunday street parking, a church-owned metered lot, and nearby paid lots.

Can I attend a worship service?

  • Yes, visitors are always welcome.

Can I take photos?

  • Exterior photography is allowed; interior photography is restricted during services.

References and Further Reading


Plan Your Visit

For the most current visiting hours, tour bookings, and special events, visit the Big Bethel AME Church Official Site. Enhance your heritage experience with curated guides via the Audiala app and follow church and city updates on social media.


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Atlanta

1105 West Peachtree
1105 West Peachtree
1180 Peachtree
1180 Peachtree
999 Peachtree
999 Peachtree
Academy Of Medicine
Academy Of Medicine
|
  All Saints' Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
| All Saints' Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
Alliance Theatre
Alliance Theatre
Americasmart
Americasmart
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Antico Pizza
Antico Pizza
Antioch Baptist Church North
Antioch Baptist Church North
Apex Museum
Apex Museum
Atlanta Biltmore Hotel And Biltmore Apartments
Atlanta Biltmore Hotel And Biltmore Apartments
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta City Hall
Atlanta City Hall
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Atlanta Union Station
Atlanta Union Station
B. Mifflin Hood Brick Company Building
B. Mifflin Hood Brick Company Building
Bank Of America Plaza
Bank Of America Plaza
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Bass Furniture Building
Bass Furniture Building
Besharat Museum Gallery
Besharat Museum Gallery
Big Bethel Ame Church
Big Bethel Ame Church
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Brookwood Hills
Brookwood Hills
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Carnegie Building
Carnegie Building
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Cathedral Of Christ The King
Cathedral Of Christ The King
Center For Puppetry Arts
Center For Puppetry Arts
Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University
Cnn Center
Cnn Center
College Football Hall Of Fame
College Football Hall Of Fame
Consulate-General Of Japan, Atlanta
Consulate-General Of Japan, Atlanta
Crum & Forster Building
Crum & Forster Building
Delta Flight Museum
Delta Flight Museum
Donna And Marvin Schwartz Center For Performing Arts
Donna And Marvin Schwartz Center For Performing Arts
Dramatech
Dramatech
Edward C. Peters House
Edward C. Peters House
Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court Of Appeals Building
Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court Of Appeals Building
Emory University
Emory University
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Fairlie-Poplar
Fairlie-Poplar
Federal Reserve Bank Of Atlanta
Federal Reserve Bank Of Atlanta
Fernbank Forest
Fernbank Forest
Ferst Center For The Arts
Ferst Center For The Arts
Fire Station No. 11
Fire Station No. 11
First Church Of Christ, Scientist
First Church Of Christ, Scientist
First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church
First Presbyterian Church Of Atlanta
First Presbyterian Church Of Atlanta
Flatiron Building
Flatiron Building
Food Processing Technology Building
Food Processing Technology Building
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre
French Consulate General, Atlanta
French Consulate General, Atlanta
Garden Hills
Garden Hills
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Dome
Georgia Dome
|
  Georgia Governor'S Mansion
| Georgia Governor'S Mansion
Georgia Institute Of Technology College Of Architecture
Georgia Institute Of Technology College Of Architecture
Georgia Institute Of Technology Historic District
Georgia Institute Of Technology Historic District
Georgia Mental Health Institute
Georgia Mental Health Institute
Georgia State Capitol
Georgia State Capitol
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center
Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia World Congress Center
Glenn Building
Glenn Building
Glg Grand
Glg Grand
Goat Farm Arts Center
Goat Farm Arts Center
Grace United Methodist Church (Atlanta)
Grace United Methodist Church (Atlanta)
Grady Memorial Hospital
Grady Memorial Hospital
Grant Park
Grant Park
Gravity Research Foundation Monument
Gravity Research Foundation Monument
Healey Building
Healey Building
Herndon Home
Herndon Home
High Museum Of Art
High Museum Of Art
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Homage To King
Homage To King
Hope Moving Forward
Hope Moving Forward
Hotel Ansley
Hotel Ansley
Hotel Aragon
Hotel Aragon
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
Hurt Park
Hurt Park
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
|
  Imagine It! The Children'S Museum Of Atlanta
| Imagine It! The Children'S Museum Of Atlanta
J. Mack Robinson College Of Business Administration Building
J. Mack Robinson College Of Business Administration Building
Jimmy Carter Library And Museum
Jimmy Carter Library And Museum
King Center For Nonviolent Social Change
King Center For Nonviolent Social Change
King Plow Arts Center
King Plow Arts Center
Krog Street Tunnel
Krog Street Tunnel
Lanier University
Lanier University
|
  Loew'S Grand Theatre
| Loew'S Grand Theatre
Majestic Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
M.C. Kiser Company Building
M.C. Kiser Company Building
Mccamish Pavilion
Mccamish Pavilion
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Millennium Gate
Millennium Gate
Morningside Nature Preserve
Morningside Nature Preserve
Murder Kroger
Murder Kroger
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Georgia
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Georgia
Museum Of Design Atlanta
Museum Of Design Atlanta
National Center For Civil And Human Rights
National Center For Civil And Human Rights
Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery
Olympia Building
Olympia Building
Omega Chapter Of The Chi Phi Fraternity
Omega Chapter Of The Chi Phi Fraternity
Omni Coliseum
Omni Coliseum
Peachtree Station
Peachtree Station
Pemberton Place
Pemberton Place
Phipps Plaza
Phipps Plaza
Plaza Theatre
Plaza Theatre
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market
Prince Hall
Prince Hall
Promenade Ii
Promenade Ii
Regal Tara Cinemas
Regal Tara Cinemas
Regions Plaza
Regions Plaza
Rhodes Hall
Rhodes Hall
Rialto Center For The Arts
Rialto Center For The Arts
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Roxy Theatre
Roxy Theatre
Rufus M. Rose House
Rufus M. Rose House
Russ Chandler Stadium
Russ Chandler Stadium
|
  Saint Joseph'S Hospital
| Saint Joseph'S Hospital
Saint Philip Ame Church
Saint Philip Ame Church
Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception
Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia
Spelman College
Spelman College
|
  St. Luke'S Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
| St. Luke'S Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
St. Mark Methodist Church (Atlanta, Georgia)
St. Mark Methodist Church (Atlanta, Georgia)
Statue Of Eugene Talmadge
Statue Of Eugene Talmadge
Statue Of Jimmy Carter
Statue Of Jimmy Carter
Statue Of Martin Luther King Jr.
Statue Of Martin Luther King Jr.
Swan House
Swan House
Sweet Auburn
Sweet Auburn
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Atlanta
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Atlanta
Terminal Station
Terminal Station
The Masquerade
The Masquerade
The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle
The Temple
The Temple
Trap Music Museum
Trap Music Museum
Turner Field
Turner Field
United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
Utoy Cemetery
Utoy Cemetery
Variety Playhouse
Variety Playhouse
W. D. Grant Building
W. D. Grant Building
Washington Hall
Washington Hall
Westview Cemetery
Westview Cemetery
William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum
William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum
William-Oliver Building
William-Oliver Building
Winecoff Hotel
Winecoff Hotel
Woodlands Garden
Woodlands Garden
Woodruff Arts Center
Woodruff Arts Center
World Of Coca-Cola
World Of Coca-Cola