Historic black churches give up land for billion-dollar stadium

[Laela]

ATLANTA - The congregation of Mount Vernon Baptist Church has approved the $14.5 million deal to relocate, making way for the new Falcons stadium.

The crucial vote, which was tallied up 116 in favor of to 16 opposed of, took place Thursday night.

GALLERY | What the new stadium will look like

Mayor Kasim Reed, who had high hopes for the vote, spoke in a press conference last Friday morning about funding for the new Atlanta Falcons stadium.

Mayor Reed said in the briefing that no taxpayer money will go toward buying Atlanta churches for the stadium site.

A City Hall source told 11Alive's Jerry Carnes last week that the city brokered a deal that could lead to the purchase of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Mount Vernon Baptist is the second of two churches that sit within the "south site" footprint of the proposed billion-dollar new Atlanta Falcons stadium.

Funding for the purchase of the church, according to the City Hall source, comes partly from state funds and partly from private sources.

Last month, Atlanta Mayor Kasim announced that the city had reached a deal with Friendship Baptist Church for $19.5 million. Both churches are on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, immediately to the south of the Georgia Dome.

Of the deal, Reed said the Falcons organization and owner Arthur Blank are contributing more than $8 million.

The state, according to Reed is adding $6 million.

Talks with the two churches had previously stalled as negotiations neared a August 1 deadline. The Falcons and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority had announced in late July that they would pursue construction on a site to the north of the Georgia Dome and the World Congress Center along Ivan Allen Boulevard.

The city and the Falcons have expressed an ongoing preference for constructing the stadium on the "south site" -- along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and very close to both the World Congress Center and Vine City MARTA stations. The north site lies about a half-mile to the north of the Georgia Dome.

The future, Mayor Reed said, is for fans to get on a train, go to a game, then get back on a train to go home. By building the stadium on the south site, that vision would likely be realized.

Current plans for the new stadium call for it to be open during the summer of 2017, in time for the beginning of the 2017 NFL season.

 

[Laela]

HISTORY OF FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST
[PimpPreacher.com]

Friendship Baptist Church was established in 1862 and independently organized in 1866, in the days after the Civil War, becoming Atlanta's first black Baptist autonomous congregation. Through the generosity of the Ninth Street Baptist Church of Cincinnati, Ohio, a discarded railroad boxcar was purchased in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and sent to the Friendship congregation in Atlanta, Georgia.

This boxcar served as both a worship site on Sundays and as a classroom on weekdays for early classes at burgeoning Atlanta University in 1865. The membership grew rapidly so the congregation moved to a larger building on the corner of Haynes and Markham Streets, and later to its present site at Northside Drive.

Friendship's role in black education has been unique in that Morehouse College, upon moving to Atlanta from Augusta, Georgia, in 1879, set up classes in Friendship Baptist Church, and Spelman College had its beginning in the basement of the present site in 1881. Close ties between these institutions continue to this day.

 

[Dellas]

It was below their asking price The Mayor of ATL should be ashamed that he forced their hands Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[Shimmie]

That 14 million won't clear the costs of buying, establishing, countering a new location of a new Church.

 

[momi]

That 14 million won't clear the costs of buying, establishing, countering a new location of a new Church.

Exactly - especially in the city. This is a quote from one of the descenting members:

"It is appalling for the city to consider desecrating the sacred ground of two historic black churches to build a stadium facility for a second-rate football team," said Vickie Johnson

 

[Nice & Wavy]

This is happening in many places AND, there are churches that are going to be taken over by eminent domain....

http://tulsabeacon.com/county-governments-are-taking-away-church-properties/

Last year, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, church lost its legal battle to keep its property from being taken by Broward County, which wanted to build a substance-abuse facility and sexual assault center on its property. The church, Christian Romany Church Ministries, purchased the one-and-one-half-acre tract of land after spending two years looking for a suitable site. They paid $1.2 million for the site and spent an additional $500,000 to make improvements.

The county offered the church $1.6 million for the church and the church’s school property, but the church said that it was worth about twice that amount. The county had attempted to take the property from the previous owner, but when the county failed to get the property rezoned or to obtain building permits, the case was postponed. It was at that point that the church bought the property. Two years later the county began its proceedings to make another attempt to take the property.

Notwithstanding the wisdom, or lack thereof, of purchasing property that was at risk for an eminent domain taking, this case demonstrated the risk that any church could be taken, even one that might not fit the profile of a property ripe for seizure. So while I don’t know more about the case than a few scant headlines, the statements issued by the courts suggest the path that future cases might take. So my opinion here is not so much about this particular church, but about church seizures in general.

What immediately interested me about this case was that there was an assumption from the outset that the county’s social services were more important than those that the church offered. Under this assumption, I question how any church could argue that they were more relevant than government. On the contrary, I believe that we who believe in small government could argue by asking the question – why does a local government need to be involved in providing those kind of services to begin with? During trial, the church insisted that their church building, at that location, was fundamental to their right to exercise religious freedom, but the court found that there was nothing unique about their particular location that had anything to do with their religious freedom.

But what does this say about churches that buy specific properties, or build specific buildings, intended for specific uses? Churches do these things because they believe God has directed them to do so, so what gives our courts the right to arbitrarily, or otherwise, assume that they know better what the churches need or do not need? Certainly judges who are not Christians or do not fear God could displace churches until no place is considered safe from seizure, especially when government agencies assert that their services are somehow superior or more important than the existence of a church. The church defended itself in its court battle by demonstrating that the county was violating the Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act, stating that the county was imposing a substantial burden on the church because the church had no other alternative sites to move to, but the court ruled that there was no substantial burden.

The problem is that as land becomes more regulated, and scarce, not only will churches have difficulty finding suitable locations, but government agencies will as well. When that happens, we will see more court battles just like this one, and when they do occur, the government agencies will be more likely to win. Why? Because the courts will favor the party they believe is the most important, and governments increasingly regard churches as unnecessary impediments to growing bureaucracies.

There are really two problems that society and Christians must face. As hard as it is to say, the first is that some churches really have become irrelevant to society. But there are many more that are far more capable of helping people than any government agency could ever hope to accomplish. There should never be a necessity for a county to provide social services in the presence of a functional church.

The second problem is that government continues to grow while dependence on God diminishes. It is no wonder that the public at large is not disturbed about the use of eminent domain to take churches.

Note – this story was originally published in 2010. Broward County demolished the church the following year
©2013 Randy W. Bright

The latest is this: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...urch-city-manager-darren-gray-church-property

Clermont may buy megachurch to offer more recreation for residents. City offers $6.3 million for Celebration of Praise Church of God

The city of Clermont has bid $6.3 million for the 50-acre site… (Tom Benitez, Orlando Sentinel ) September 18, 2013|By Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel

Buying a church may not be the typical way for a city to expand its services, but for Clermont, it could be the answer to a prayer.

The growing city in south Lake County, whose residents have been demanding more recreational opportunities, has offered to pay $6.3 million for Celebration of Praise Church of God, which can't afford an upcoming $7 million "balloon" payment on its mortgage.

The 47-acre megachurch on a hilltop overlooking U.S. Highway 27 includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, the largest auditorium in Lake County, a gymnasium and 30 undeveloped acres that could be home to a new police station, a conference center or a recreation complex.

I'm sure the church will succumb with the price that's offered.

This is becoming a trend and will only increase....they will offer cost for the church or take it from them. It's getting harder and harder for pastors to even get zoned for churches when they want to build and the ones that are already there, they will overtake. This is how the churches in America will be driven underground. It's already started......

 

[momi]

This is happening in many places AND, there are churches that are going to be taken over by eminent domain....


This is becoming a trend and will only increase....they will offer cost for the church or take it from them. It's getting harder and harder for pastors to even get zoned for churches when they want to build and the ones that are already there, they will overtake. This is how the churches in America will be driven underground. It's already started......

I totally missed this. Sounds about right too...

I've also read about the trend of churches being turned into clubs and mosques.

 

[Sosa]

Exactly - especially in the city. This is a quote from one of the descenting members:

"It is appalling for the city to consider desecrating the sacred ground of two historic black churches to build a stadium facility for a second-rate football team," said Vickie Johnson

I 'd at the second rate football team comment. But it is a shame for real .

 

[momi]

I 'd at the second rate football team comment. But it is a shame for real .

Yeah I did too!

Love me some Falcons though - lol

 

[Shimmie]

Exactly - especially in the city. This is a quote from one of the descenting members:

"It is appalling for the city to consider desecrating the sacred ground of two historic black churches to build a stadium facility for a second-rate football team," said Vickie Johnson

This is happening in many places AND, there are churches that are going to be taken over by eminent domain....

http://tulsabeacon.com/county-governments-are-taking-away-church-properties/

The latest is this: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...urch-city-manager-darren-gray-church-property

The 47-acre megachurch on a hilltop overlooking U.S. Highway 27 includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, the largest auditorium in Lake County, a gymnasium and 30 undeveloped acres that could be home to a new police station, a conference center or a recreation complex.

I'm sure the church will succumb with the price that's offered.

This is becoming a trend and will only increase....they will offer cost for the church or take it from them. It's getting harder and harder for pastors to even get zoned for churches when they want to build and the ones that are already there, they will overtake. This is how the churches in America will be driven underground. It's already started......

Have these Churches made plans to relocate/rebuild? Something here is not right. It's not a good move --- no pun intended --- on their part.

 

[momi]

Have these Churches made plans to relocate/rebuild? Something here is not right. It's not a good move --- no pun intended --- on their part.

In the Atlanta case the city has "pledged their support" in assisting the church secure a new facility/land. You know what that means? A pair of season tickets and Deuces.

Really though I haven't heard

 

[Shimmie]

In the Atlanta case the city has "pledged their support" in assisting the church secure a new facility/land. You know what that means? A pair of season tickets and Deuces.

Really though I haven't heard

Okay... now please tell me, what are 'deuces'? I know it's two of something... a deuce means two / double. But a double or two of what?

I'm serious momi .... what are the deuces?

 

[momi]

Okay... now please tell me, what are 'deuces'? I know it's two of something... a deuce means two / double. But a double or two of what?

I'm serious momi .... what are the deuces?

It means Peace Out - throwing up the peace sign.

You know I'm country Shimmie !

 

[Shimmie]

It means Peace Out - throwing up the peace sign.

You know I'm country Shimmie !

Well I'm 'Harlem' and I shoulda' known...

I get it... "Dueces" Meaning "I got what I want and I'm outta' here'.

See, this is why Shimmie seldom turns a 'cheek'. You can't put trust in the world. And to dangle what seems to be a lot of millions in someone's face,

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I totally missed this. Sounds about right too...

I've also read about the trend of churches being turned into clubs and mosques.

Yes they are...its getting crazy

Have these Churches made plans to relocate/rebuild? Something here is not right. It's not a good move --- no pun intended --- on their part.

Shimmie...the first church was demolished and the second church the City said that they want the church to 'rent' the sanctuary out.

The second church is ridiculous with all the stuff in it: a mall, 3 pools, etc. Don't make no sense to have all of that and can't pay for it. You know all these churches in Florida are huge, just like this. What they should do (churches that are struggling) are to go to other churches that are doing well and ask them for help first before going to the world. Just crazy.

 

[Shimmie]

I have a question to each of you...

Who gets the Money?

Suppose a Pastor decides to 'retire' and not rebuild. Who gets the money?

 

[Shimmie]

Yes they are...its getting crazy

Shimmie...the first church was demolished and the second church the City said that they want the church to 'rent' the sanctuary out.

The second church is ridiculous with all the stuff in it: a mall, 3 pools, etc. Don't make no sense to have all of that and can't pay for it. You know all these churches in Florida are huge, just like this. What they should do (churches that are struggling) are to go to other churches that are doing well and ask them for help first before going to the world. Just crazy.

Gee Precious Wavy, an actual mall? That Church is a 'city' of it's own. Sis, that's sounds like the 'market in the temple' that Jesus turned over.

I can see the pools if they have a large population for swim classes and water aerobics and also for water healing therapies.

Of course, I'm really stretching here. But it would be a good idea if they used these pools to benefit the health and well being of those who needed it.

 

[PinkPebbles]

This is so disheartening....

 

[mensa]

This can not be real. It reminds me of the movie Left Behind where the Christians had to worship secretly underground.

As John said in the Book of Revelation, Even so, come Lord Jesus.

 

[Shimmie]

This is so disheartening....

This can not be real. It reminds me of the movie Left Behind where the Christians had to worship secretly underground.

As John said in the Book of Revelation, Even so, come Lord Jesus.

PinkPebbles and mensa...

Look at the Blessings we have. We have 'God's Word' which lives in our hearts and it never returns void. Think about that. No one can take away from us. It's the peace that Jesus' gave us that the 'world' cannot take away.

We are still the Blessed and the Salt of the Earth and we are still more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord....

All of that Word that God has been planting within our hearts throughout all these years; all of the prayers and voices of unending praises that we've given unto the Lord....

Do we really and truly have anything to fear?

Gideon
King David
Joshua
Moses
Joseph
Queen Esther
Nehemiah

Look at how they were threatened and attacked.

Yet...

No weapon formed against them ever prospered.

We ARE the 'Church' and the Chief Cornerstone is Jesus Christ Our Lord...

Men may fail us, but we have the Word and Jesus who fails us not.

Precious Loves... you are to Him and always will be. God's Church has been built in each of you.

Glory to God Forever and Ever... Amen!

 

[Laela]

momi did you hear her say it..lol.. I mean, how she said it... she's serious and I don't blame her, but it was a bit amusing hearing her say it. World-class city, second-rate team.. Like buying a Mercedes to park in front of your apartment in an an apt. complex. lol

I'm not happy about this at all but I understand the whole imminent domain strategy to make the city more attractive for a Super Bowl, etc., but at what cost? It's all about the bottom line, IMHO. Forget the people, Lord have mercy. The Dome is not that old, so they're tearing it down as well as the two churches. I agree this makes no sense. Please keep Friendship Baptist Church in your prayers this weekend. Members still have to vote on their $19 deal to make it official.

Now if they were tearing down a couple of blocks of strip joints and clubs ...

But on this issue, I feel like one of the seven dwarfs, and it's not Happy.

Exactly - especially in the city. This is a quote from one of the descenting members:

"It is appalling for the city to consider desecrating the sacred ground of two historic black churches to build a stadium facility for a second-rate football team," said Vickie Johnson

 

[Laela]

!!

In the Atlanta case the city has "pledged their support" in assisting the church secure a new facility/land. You know what that means? A pair of season tickets and Deuces.

Really though I haven't heard

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I read the church voted 116 in favour vs the 16 who did not want the stadium. I don't understand why there is still a controversy.

 

[momi]

momi did you hear her say it..lol.. I mean, how she said it... she's serious and I don't blame her, but it was a bit amusing hearing her say it. World-class city, second-rate team.. Like buying a Mercedes to park in front of your apartment in an an apt. complex. lol

I'm not happy about this at all but I understand the whole imminent domain strategy to make the city more attractive for a Super Bowl, etc., but at what cost? It's all about the bottom line, IMHO. Forget the people, Lord have mercy. The Dome is not that old, so they're tearing it down as well as the two churches. I agree this makes no sense. Please keep Friendship Baptist Church in your prayers this weekend. Members still have to vote on their $19 deal to make it official.

Now if they were tearing down a couple of blocks of strip joints and clubs ...

But on this issue, I feel like one of the seven dwarfs, and it's not Happy.

Laela - no I hadn't but I just tracked back to hear and you are right. She enunciated every single syllable. Second. Rate. Football. Team.

 

[vtoodler]

This is sad.
Just makes you wonder what America's priorities are?

 

[Laela]

UPDATE:

ATLANTA (AP) — An Atlanta church congregation has voted to accept a $19.5 million offer to relocate so the Atlanta Falcons can build a new stadium downtown.

Friendship Baptist Church members voted Sunday to accept the offer for their land south of the Georgia Dome.

Chairman of the church's board of trustees, Lloyd Hawk, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the deal will help the church remain active in its community.

STORY: At Seattle’s Stadium, Opposing Football Fans Could Be Cops
"We will be able to provide an even greater level of service and ministry, which is so desperately needed for this community to reach the heights it is capable of achieving and so desperately deserving," he said.

Earlier this week, the congregation at nearby Mt. Vernon Baptist Church voted to accept the city's offer of $14.5 million.

The churches were each in the path of the franchise's planned $1 billion, retractable roof stadium. - READ MORE

 

[Laela]

She sure did... LOL!

Laela - no I hadn't but I just tracked back to hear and you are right. She enunciated every single syllable. Second. Rate. Football. Team.

 

[Laela]

Heaven forbid, Shimmie... The church folks in favor are saying this is a greater opportunity for change and to do more for the community. Time will tell....esp where they will relocate. Someone at Friendship was quoted as saying you can't grow a church near a stadium.. obviously, since the church has been there for a century and a half and if it stays there won't be no stadium. Well, the churches have voted. I'll just let their yea be yea....

I have a question to each of you...

Who gets the Money?

Suppose a Pastor decides to 'retire' and not rebuild. Who gets the money?

 

[Shimmie]

Heaven forbid, Shimmie... The church folks in favor are saying this is a greater opportunity for change and to do more for the community. Time will tell....esp where they will relocate. Someone at Friendship was quoted as saying you can't grow a church near a stadium.. obviously, since the church has been there for a century and a half and if it stays there won't be no stadium. Well, the churches have voted. I'll just let their yea be yea....

Thanks Laela... I'll let it be as well I pray God's best for all of them and that more will be added to the Kingdom of God.

In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

 

[felic1]

When Detroit hosted the Super Bowl, I-94 was being repaired.This highway runs from Metro Airport straight into Downtown Detroit. They built freeway arches shaped like gigantic footballs to give the impression that this is football country. On the event weekend, the homeless were scooped off of the street so people would not see them. How would it look if visitors saw all of these people on the street? Of course they had to return on Monday, but who would notice. Government will do a lot to draw money into the state.........