SR1105: SR1105 Central United Methodist Church; recognize and commend
2025-2026 Regular Session · Enrolled version · Last action April 2, 2026
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Senate Resolution 1105
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th and Harbison of the 15th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Central United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 160th1
anniversary; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, Central United Methodist Church was organized as a church mission in 18663
and recognized by the Annual Methodist Conference as Clark Chapel Methodist Episcopal4
Church in 1867; and5
WHEREAS, the church was named for Bishop Davis W. Clark, who became bishop in 18646
and was the first President of the Freedmen's Aid Society; and7
WHEREAS, the first location of the church was on Frasier Street in the Summerhill8
community of Atlanta, Georgia; and9
WHEREAS, in 1875, Clark Chapel moved and merged with Loyd Stree t Methodist10
Episcopal Church located at the corner of Loyd Street (now Cent ral Avenue) and Hunter11
Street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive); and12
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WHEREAS, Clark Chapel served as the birthplace of Clark University (now Clark Atlanta13
University) and Gammon Theological Seminary when classes for the schools assembled in14
the church's basement; and15
WHEREAS, the church changed its name to Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church16
in 1901 and moved in 1928 to its current location at 501 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW17
(formerly Mitchell Street); and18
WHEREAS, Central helped mold the civic and religious character of Atlanta as the city19
evolved into the leader of the Southeast educationally and industrially as well as a hub for20
civil rights activism; and21
WHEREAS, some of the most progressive and influential movements for racial equality22
were engendered by and through Central; and23
WHEREAS, Central has a storied history and continues its journey of religious, civic, moral,24
and educational leadership; and25
WHEREAS, Central, "The Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart," is26
considered the oldest Black Methodist church in the City of Atlanta.27
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28
recognize the rich history of Central United Methodist Church, commend its 160 years of29
dedicated service to the Lord and community, and extend their warmest best wishes for its30
continued growth and success.31
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Central United33
Methodist Church.34
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