New Hope AME Church stands on the site of an 1850s campground where the enslaved, indentured, and freemen of color came for praise and worship. In 1869, a landowner named Smith purchased 4 acres of land so that the African Americans who worked in the neighborhood would have a place to worship. The property housed a church, school, and a cemetery. They have found over 600 graves. Many of the graves have been restored and one of the activities for the anniversary celebration will include a walk through the historic cemetery. There will also be an opportunity to decorate the sites. New Hope AME Paster David Richards joins us to discuss this upcoming celebration.
Dr. Richards explains that New Hope AME is the oldest church in Buckhead. In 2009, It received a National Historic Places designation. I asked Richards to speak about this accomplishment. He shares that the land was deeded to New Hope AME in 1869 by the landowner, Mr. Smith. He talks about the early leadership being steadfast and faithful. He speaks that the land has always been used as a place of worship—the outdoor tabernacle, where worshippers formed a circle to praise.
For the 155th Anniversary, the church invites the community to join them for services. These will include a commemorative ceremony, a down-home repast after worship, and an opportunity to visit the historic cemetery and speak with the church historian. Celebrants are asked to wear royal blue and silver. Everyone is invited, and the church encourages folks to bring the entire family.
I asked Dr. Richards about the cemetery's restoration. He spoke about their working relationship with the Buckhead Heritage Society, Oakland Cemetery, and local Boy Scout troops to help restore and maintain the cemetery. He also talked about uncovering the graves of the enslaved. The plots were deeded to various families.
New Hope AME member Carolyn Richardson joins the conversation and speaks to the history of the congregation's upkeep of the cemetery. She talked about the visibility of the church and cemetery on Arden Road. She shares that they partnered with a larger church in the community to assist with the upkeep. Additionally, they have received grants to manage the cemetery's maintenance. Richardson explains that her late husband, Charles Richardson, was one of the last members interred at the cemetery in 2005. She shares some of the notable Atlantans in their cemetery, including the story of Molly Howard DeFoors, who was born in 1839 and was the recipient of 10 acres of land when her enslaver passed away. Her property included the land now along the street named for her family, Defoors Landing, she passed in 1924.
The Local Take will host a Girl Trek Joy Walk on Saturday, April 20th, at 8AM. We’ll meet at New Hope AME, 3012 Arden Road, and the walk will begin at 8:30AM. The walk will culminate at the historic cemetery.
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For more information on New Hope AME Church
For more information on The Local Take Joy Walk 3K
For more information on the history of New Hope AME Church