The Landmark Presentation Ceremony on June 22, 2024, inside Candler Park’s Old Stone Church celebrated the City of Atlanta’s formal recognition and structural protections for the historic sanctuary (hand built 1918–1922 by Antioch East Baptist Church members) and grounds. The dynamic event was coordinated by Atlanta Department of City Planning, BiRacial History Project, Antioch East Baptist Church, and First Existentialist Congregation. It was well attended by members of these collaborating organizations, historic family descendants, and the community at large. The program included spoken offerings by the project partners, the presentation of the African American Initiative Landmark Plaque, and rousing musical numbers by the Antioch East Baptist Church Choir and the First E Chorus.
On March 12, 2024, the City of Atlanta officially designated the Old Stone Church in Candler Park as a Landmark Building/ Site, due to its association with Atlanta’s African American Heritage, and with historical acknowledgement and protections into the future.
Left to Right: Matt Adams, Assistant Director, City of Atlanta Office of Design; Rev. Dr. Michael A. Smith, Senior Pastor, Antioch East Baptist Church; Mother Brenda Miller, Antioch East Baptist Church; Edith Kelman, Projects Manager, Early Edgewood-Candler Park BiRacial History Project; Rev. Marsha Mitchiner, Fellowship Minister, First Existentialist Congregation; (off-stage) Anthony Knight, African American Heritage Coordinator, Office of Design Studio.
Photo credit: Sue King.
Click or tap here for the Saporta Report’s account of the Landmak Celebration by Nedra Deadwyler.
Click or tap here for Eddy Andersons’ video of the Landmark Celebration.
Other Galleries
#1: Historic Photos
#2: Family Gatherings
#3: Community Engagement
#4: In Memoriam
#5: Remembering Rose Hill
#6: A Come Back Musical
#7: Landmark Celebration