Friendship holds final service at historic site

ATLANTA — Friendship Baptist Church is holding its final service on Mitchell Street this weekend. After more than 140 years, the church is moving from the corner of Northside Drive and Mitchell Street to make way for the new Atlanta Falcons stadium.

SPECIAL SECTION: Falcons stadium project

Friendship has been meeting at the site every Sunday since 1871. The congregation voted to sell the property for $19.5 million. Though the deal is done, in the last two weeks, a group of residents has been urging the city and state to stop the demolition of the historic building.

Some opponents said they’d like to preserve the building as a community and cultural center or museum.

“If we can save the Fox (Theatre), if we can save the Margaret Mitchell House, Friendship is just as much a part of Atlanta history,” said local resident Archbishop John Lewis.

Beginning June 1, Friendship will hold services on the Morehouse College campus, its new home until the church rebuilds in the Vine City community.

Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach will have live updates on the emotional service on Channel 2 Action News at 6.

WSBTV