Avoid a Brownout, Let Your Light Shine!

In our 24/7 world, we take electric light for granted. In my neighborhood, we’ve had several brownouts as of late, where we have had to depend on candles or a flashlight to get by until the power company got the electricity back on. In those dark moments, you become aware of how the candle bifurcates the darkness, but still a strange sense of fear and weakness surrounds us. The darkness of a brownout reminds me that a lack of illumination can cause a lack of insight. Decisions might get made in the darkness that look different in the light.

These musings have come to bear on the new stadium being planned for Atlanta. Here’s why: two churches sit at the crossroads of the new stadium’s proposed site. One is Friendship Baptist Church. It’s the oldest African American Baptist congregation in Atlanta. Founded in 1866 — 151 years ago, Friendship is a firm foundation and the harbinger of spiritual, cultural and educational milestones in Atlanta’s black community.

Our Mayor has assured us that he has no intentions of trying to force two powerful, historical congregations to sell their property, to make room for it. If these churches choose to relocate, they will do so by the authority of their individual congregations only — not by our city’s force.

Let’s illuminate how big this decision must be.

1. Friendship Church housed the first classroom of Clark Atlanta University in a box car, shared by the church and the university, but owned by the church.
2. In 1879, when Morehouse College relocated from Augusta to Atlanta, it initially held classes at Friendship.
3. In 1881, Spelman College was founded in the basement of the church’s limited facilities.
4. Eight thriving African American churches have grown out of Friendship. They are currently making an enriching contribution to all citizens of Atlanta.
5. The father of our first black mayor, Dr. Maynard H. Jackson, Sr. led this congregation from 1945-1953. Under his leadership the congregation engaged in an extensive community outreach ministry, a housing center for the aged and a recreation center for youth living in the community.
6. Two Morehouse professors served as pastors of this congregation, Dr. Samuel W. Williams (1954-1970) and Dr. William V. Guy (1971-2007). Dr. Samuel Williams was a strong advocate for national civil rights, and a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

There may come a day when pilgrimages to Friendship are made, just as people from all over the world, all different religions come to the Martin Luther King Center here in the heart of our city. They come to gain perspective, to be illumined. Let us avoid a historical brownout. At Friendship Baptist, let’s keep the light on!

Friendship will soon decide about relocating. I am sure its decision will be made deliberately and prayerfully. Friendship provides a historical and relevant role model for the best in our community and in Atlanta. Let’s work for a win-win for the Falcons we cherish, a church we love and a city filled with opportunity. Let’s avoid a brownout.

-Rev. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr.