In Case the Falcons Tear Down Friendship Baptist

It's been in the news so I went see Atlanta's <a href="http://www.historicfriendshipbaptistchurch.org/" target="_blank">Friendship Baptist Church</a>. If the powers chose the "south" site for the new Falcons Station, Friendship is a goner. But maybe they'll chose the "north" site. I took pictures of the cornerstones, just in case.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qBplT_B4GhTq1WFcTnVYslZ4Wtf4p0d7A0SfVlQXkpHsHmeNsVREFXT8SZ_kcLFGVC06ErnNLTOzAXAWlkEUbEyIq9IKCkKs2MdvAsyRCHFMJuybocTDmqPNqcegE1ZXoSdKHFgE2ued/s1600/IMG_2695+2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qBplT_B4GhTq1WFcTnVYslZ4Wtf4p0d7A0SfVlQXkpHsHmeNsVREFXT8SZ_kcLFGVC06ErnNLTOzAXAWlkEUbEyIq9IKCkKs2MdvAsyRCHFMJuybocTDmqPNqcegE1ZXoSdKHFgE2ued/s640/IMG_2695+2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br /> It's beautiful. The institution itself has been REAL important for a long time though the buildings aren't particularly old.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9382567608/" title="IMG_2699-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-historical-Plaque-placed-April-2002 by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2699-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-historical-Plaque-placed-April-2002" height="489" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9382567608_4c961652e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />The 2002 "Listed in National Register of Historic Places" plaque doesn't necessarily mean it's safe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9373535178/" title="IMG_2698 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta sign by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2698 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta sign" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9373535178_3e69e34d51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />It's not in perfect condition, but it is in immaculate condition.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9373532604/" title="IMG_2693 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2693 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9373532604_345a629578_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The gulch swallows it up. It's in such an open area, it doesn't have much visual impact until you get close.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Friendship+Baptist+Church&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Friendship+Baptist+Church&hnear=0x88f5045d6993098d:0x66fede2f990b630b,Atlanta,+GA&cid=0,0,6537590470845135470&t=h&ll=33.754139,-84.401801&spn=0.008563,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Friendship+Baptist+Church&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Friendship+Baptist+Church&hnear=0x88f5045d6993098d:0x66fede2f990b630b,Atlanta,+GA&cid=0,0,6537590470845135470&t=h&ll=33.754139,-84.401801&spn=0.008563,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />The church is picturesque but the setting isn't. Friendship is a buffer between the <a href="http://www.aucenter.edu/" target="_blank">Georgia Dome</a>, the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gulch_%28Atlanta%29" target="_blank"> railroad gulch</a>, <a href="http://www.castleberryhill.org/" target="_blank">Castleberry Hill</a>, and the <a href="http://www.aucenter.edu/" target="_blank">Atlanta University Center</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9370756201/" title="IMG_2694 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2694 2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9370756201_d0b8703505_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Go see.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9382567310/" title="IMG_2701-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-1862-date by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2701-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-1862-date" height="406" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9382567310_70b1e6a44c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The 2002 bronze plaque plaque (2nd picture in this post) says 1866; this stone says 1862.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9379786089/" title="IMG_2702-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-placed-1968 by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2702-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-placed-1968" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9379786089_1d13f5cbac_z.jpg" width="623" /></a><br />This is the 1968 cornerstone. This one says "1862" too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9382567906/" title="IMG_2700-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-list-of-pastors by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2700-2013-07-26-Friendship-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-Cornerstone-list-of-pastors" height="456" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/9382567906_b0d8b4509e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The pastor's cornerstone says 1862.<br /><br />This deserves more study but I was having a look around. Northside at Martin Luthor King is an "amen corner" with four churches.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9373528974/" title="IMG_2687 2013-07-26-Mount-Vernon-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-MLK by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2687 2013-07-26-Mount-Vernon-Baptist-Church-Atlanta-MLK" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9373528974_4c4141a3a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Mount Vernon Baptist Church would be a goner if they pick the south site but they aren't talking with the press so we don't hear much about it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9382566402/" title="IMG_2690-2013-07-26-Central-United-Methodist-Chruch-Atlanta-Mitchell-Street-detail by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2690-2013-07-26-Central-United-Methodist-Chruch-Atlanta-Mitchell-Street-detail" height="429" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/9382566402_06fa0a82fb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />Central United Methodist Chruch is on the west side of Northside Drive. I presume it's not at risk from the stadium.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9373532076/" title="IMG_2692 2013-07-26-West-Mitchell-CME-Church-Atlanta by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2692 2013-07-26-West-Mitchell-CME-Church-Atlanta" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9373532076_68f053d199_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />The West Mitchell CME Church is also safe. Pardon me for taking a picture of the back side. You can't always tell with moderns.<br /><br />Go see.

In Case the Falcons Tear Down Friendship Baptist

It's been in the news so I went see Atlanta's Friendship Baptist Church . If the powers chose the "south" site for the new...

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The Low Museum's Very First Show - Gallery Opening on Monday!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TVS1OsDMo7TDWY3RlyErHPJqKn8OlITaBHORdIDcCW6prd0fD3Lr-EjlBmGD34D5rqSInDEjnquPsOgotLHsozB4uZrgsdsR2rUaGKXaVDmqWUsKcZdr59794BpK1bWSVC2-v5SbBrpE/s1600/IMG_2576-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-work-by-Pastiche-Lumumba.jpg"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TVS1OsDMo7TDWY3RlyErHPJqKn8OlITaBHORdIDcCW6prd0fD3Lr-EjlBmGD34D5rqSInDEjnquPsOgotLHsozB4uZrgsdsR2rUaGKXaVDmqWUsKcZdr59794BpK1bWSVC2-v5SbBrpE/s640/IMG_2576-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-work-by-Pastiche-Lumumba.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />Pastiche Lumumba's projected survey based on "Girl with a Pearl" hashtags was live and interactive.<br /><br />The High Museum closes on Mondays. The Low Museum opens. You can't get a haircut or visit a gallery on Monday. But there I was last night for the very first show at <a href="http://thelowmuseum.com/" target="_blank">The Low Museum of Contemporary Culture</a> in the <a href="http://o4w.net/" target="_blank">Old Fourth Ward</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349227682/" title="IMG_2591-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-sign-right-Jordan-Stubbs by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2591-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-sign-right-Jordan-Stubbs" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9349227682_4170854faf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />It's brand new, an idea rather than a place, run by focused students rather than veteran mavens. (The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLowMuseum?" target="_blank">Low Museum is on Facebook</a> and on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLowMuseum" target="_blank">@TheLowMuseum</a>.)<br /><br />It was a gallery hop with only one hop. It takes a little courage to visit a gallery for the first time. Would I see anyone I knew?<br /><br />The show - #MoreOfTheSame - featured hashtags: "...we are intrinsically aware of the fact that anything we do has been done before."<br /><br />Clovice Holt, Chris Holloway, Pastiche Lumumba, Steffen Sornpao, Jordan Stubbs, Beau Torres. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349294834/" title="IMG_2596-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-curve-modern-rustic-stucco-California-style-facade-John-Wesley-Dobbs by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2596-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-curve-modern-rustic-stucco-California-style-facade-John-Wesley-Dobbs" height="441" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9349294834_467aa0eb8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />This is the place, a gallery in a student's apartment on this odd row of houses on John Wesley Dobbs just off Boulevard. I was happy to see inside after all these years of drive-bys.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346397733/" title="IMG_2590-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2590-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame" height="474" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9346397733_bff5d92667_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The living area became a gallery.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346313159/" title="IMG_2583-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-poloroids-by-Steffen-Sornpao by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2583-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-poloroids-by-Steffen-Sornpao" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9346313159_ca3eccac9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />By Steffen Sornpao.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9348975314/" title="IMG_2580-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Double-Rothko-by-Chris Holloway by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2580-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Double-Rothko-by-Chris Holloway" height="537" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9348975314_5432b376b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />"Double Rothko" by Chris Holloway was huge and delightful.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=6f384a64af&photo_id=9348700626&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=6f384a64af&photo_id=9348700626&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="480" width="853"></embed></object><br />You young folks will "get" the hashtag stuff. I'll have to study.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346379263/" title="IMG_2588-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Iconversation-by-Clovice-Holt by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2588-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Iconversation-by-Clovice-Holt" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9346379263_43cb17a10a_z.jpg" width="639" /></a><br />I think "Iconversation" by Clovice Holt is a work in progress. It's been getting attention around town.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9348950412/" title="IMG_2578-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Last Supper-by-Jordan-Stubbs-with-Esme-Jarrell by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2578-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-Last Supper-by-Jordan-Stubbs-with-Esme-Jarrell" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9348950412_56864d39f4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Jordan Stubbs is the Low Gallery guy. This is his "Last Supper," one in a set of 9 works. The phone in a frame is part of the work. Esme Jarrell is in the "Last Supper" and the only person I knew. Thanks for saying hello Esme.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349121882/" title="IMG_2586-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2586-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame" height="499" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9349121882_d261934f08_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />These outward looking gender-confused portraits at eye-level by Clovice Holt were in charge of the glamor.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349165108/" title="IMG_2587-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2587-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9349165108_49dffd9619_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />These witty artist-at-work self-portraits by Beau Torres rewarded a long look.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349174466/" title="IMG_2589-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2589-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame" height="346" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9349174466_f7bf2034bb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The opening and the gallery worked. Folks kept arriving, doing the gallery-browse and gallery-chat. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346442497/" title="IMG_2594-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-porch-smile-red-chair by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2594-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-porch-smile-red-chair" height="536" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9346442497_3d3840c8da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />It was breezy on the porch and we needed it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349099410/" title="IMG_2582-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-porch-sunset-sunburst-balustrade by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2582-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-porch-sunset-sunburst-balustrade" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9349099410_a98739c8b8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> Time to go. I switched to architecture tourist mode. The building is at a high point on the Boulevard corridor, on a wide street with a view of downtown. It feels open and airy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346442319/" title="IMG_2593-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-ghost-gable-next-door by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2593-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-ghost-gable-next-door" height="518" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/9346442319_1975d81925_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I wondered about this side-facing ghost portico next door.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9346494663/" title="IMG_2595-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-curve-modern-sunset-rustic-stucco-California-style-false-color by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2595-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame-curve-modern-sunset-rustic-stucco-California-style-false-color" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9346494663_651cc5e00c_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a> <br />It was nice to get a close look. I watched it being built in 2004. It never really clicked with me though I liked the geometry, the innie/outie curves, and the scored bands. And who can resist a red awning? Last night I decided that the rustic California-style stucco finish muddied the crisp lines.Was the designer on vacation when they did the stucco?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9349098944/" title="IMG_2581-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2581-2013-07-22-opening-Low-Museum-MoreOfTheSame" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9349098944_359eed18ee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />Thanks for an interesting Monday.<br /><br />The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLowMuseum?" target="_blank">Low Museum is on Facebook</a> and on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLowMuseum" target="_blank">@TheLowMuseum</a>.<br /><br /><br />

The Low Museum's Very First Show - Gallery Opening on Monday!

  Pastiche Lumumba's projected survey based on "Girl with a Pearl" hashtags was live and interactive. The High Museum closes o...

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A Wake for the Last Church in Blandtown

But see, folks used to live in Blandtown and they built some pretty churches.<br /><br />I'd like to pay my respects to the folks who met here, got married here, got christened and baptized here, who got eulogized here, who ate many fine covered-dish dinners here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6434001495/" title="P1020766-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020766-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6434001495_5a88965f82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The Temple of God, 1353 Boyd Avenue as it stood on October 30, 2011.<br /><br />Blandtown is now the West Midtown Design District. It's home to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGoatFarmArtsCenter" target="_blank">Goat Farm Arts Center</a>, <a href="http://forsythfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Forsyth Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Lewis and Sharon Textiles</a>, <a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio</a>, and all those cool stores on Huff Road and Ellsworth Industrial. It's also home to a remarkable lake-on-a-hilltop, Reservoir Number 1 on Howell Mill.<br /><br />But it's no longer home to any churches.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeyzCfmH2pDOgcwFE_K1StAx-JjdU5qs3DJ0bexh9O8dx3wJQzdhbVIe_dwaFd5qpdbv_YFAMQRz0YbMBDkxgkkrb1GWKdX_lMwFLrrFU6UaXL0u2-4YExguIYPvKuaIu3UOjjDpzRnT0/s1600/Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-1-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio-detail-.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeyzCfmH2pDOgcwFE_K1StAx-JjdU5qs3DJ0bexh9O8dx3wJQzdhbVIe_dwaFd5qpdbv_YFAMQRz0YbMBDkxgkkrb1GWKdX_lMwFLrrFU6UaXL0u2-4YExguIYPvKuaIu3UOjjDpzRnT0/s640/Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-1-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio-detail-.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />This was the last one. Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio.</a><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=1353+boyd+avenue+atlanta&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1353+Boyd+Ave+NW,+Atlanta,+Fulton,+Georgia+30318&gl=us&t=h&ll=33.791239,-84.418312&spn=0.00428,0.006856&z=17&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=1353+boyd+avenue+atlanta&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1353+Boyd+Ave+NW,+Atlanta,+Fulton,+Georgia+30318&gl=us&t=h&ll=33.791239,-84.418312&spn=0.00428,0.006856&z=17&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a><br />When you see a lake on a hilltop, you know it ain't natural.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxrrtMca9IDnfBFCdgVadUz5UdszSAS59ROMfpGNSPrvYAo7iZPWue9XRLlTmGiIQtWJ0aLC1qKqS2Kl3JlR_ClmvxYJ2hAFJNBnN-E9b30UI4nzuQO1VLSfzG5F9oIc5YYzs-zFUgueM/s1600/2013-07-17-Blandtown-NPU-D-Map-Detail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxrrtMca9IDnfBFCdgVadUz5UdszSAS59ROMfpGNSPrvYAo7iZPWue9XRLlTmGiIQtWJ0aLC1qKqS2Kl3JlR_ClmvxYJ2hAFJNBnN-E9b30UI4nzuQO1VLSfzG5F9oIc5YYzs-zFUgueM/s1600/2013-07-17-Blandtown-NPU-D-Map-Detail.png" /></a><br />Blandtown is in blue on the <a href="http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=739" target="_blank">NPU D Map</a>. They don't even call it Blandtown anymore.<br /><br />"Blandtown was named for Felix Bland. Born a slave, he was willed land by his former owner... It was one of the first black settlements around Atlanta after the Civil War. As a community it declined from the 1950s through 1990s" <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blandtown" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a><br /><br />Now Blandtown is a recovering warehouse light industrial re-purposed to design district. It's practical but nowhere pretty.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/8515279656/" title="P1160878-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-dyptic-before-after church by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1160878-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-dyptic-before-after church" height="228" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8515279656_97d854836f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />So on one of my take-the-long-way-home drives I turned down Boyd Avenue and found this immaculate little church. It could have been painted that very morning for all I could tell.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6433908957/" title="P1020778-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Blandtown-VIDEOpreview-Panorama by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020778-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Blandtown-VIDEOpreview-Panorama" height="360" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6433908957_b1667cc232_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />It classed up the whole street, the whole neighborhood.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6433751599/" title="P1020765-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Sign by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020765-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Sign" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6433751599_a09f4b66f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I presume this was a walk-to church in its day, surrounded by homes. I'd bet nobody from that era lives in Blandtown today. There are a few new condos and apartments, not gentrification, not exactly. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6433768821/" title="P1020768-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Cornerstone-Little-Bethel-AME by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020768-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-Cornerstone-Little-Bethel-AME" height="449" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6433768821_b3c1ff44da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />They saved the cornerstones: Little Bethel, Greater Bethel, <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=mL0vAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA102&lpg=PA102&dq=rev+j+a+hadley+atlanta&source=bl&ots=UILKpXmvXw&sig=S03K3MiHtx1SEp_GNGQJvFm-ACc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GlXnUayILoOC8gTnroCQCQ&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=rev%20j%20a%20hadley%20atlanta&f=false" target="_blank">J. A. Hadley</a>, <a href="http://www.smoothashlargrandlodge.org/" target="_blank">Smooth Ashlar</a>, <a href="http://architecturetourist.blogspot.com/2012/09/prince-hall-was-man-prince-hall-masonic.html" target="_blank">Prince Hall</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley_Dobbs" target="_blank">J.W. Dobbs</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6433831283/" title="P1020769-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-South-Stained-Glass-4-Windows by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020769-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-South-Stained-Glass-4-Windows" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6433831283_ff794244ee_z.jpg" width="570" /></a><br />I took pictures of the windows as best I could. North and south sides had matching symbols.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/6433907739/" title="P1020774-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-North-Stained-Glass-4-Windows by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1020774-2011-10-30-Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Atlanta-North-Stained-Glass-4-Windows" height="178" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6433907739_39f9424ae5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I wanted to see inside but there was no one to let me in.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/8514165211/" title="P1160877-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1160877-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8514165211_fcd6dcc62b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />When I came back on February 27, 2013, it was gone...buffed. I couldn't find a demolition permit. Georgia Power bought it from the Temple of God Inc.on 03-28-2012 for $315,000, about 1/5 acre.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio</a> is across the street so I knocked on the door to see if they knew anything. Myott was there, said they took some pictures and they'd send them to me. Here they are.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9303614534/" title="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-2-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-2-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9303614534_6eb64da109_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />No fun looking at them. Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9303615006/" title="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-2-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio-detail by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-2-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio-detail" height="535" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/9303615006_871f00fca9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />This is the only way I could see the inside. Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9300831647/" title="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-1-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-1-thanks-Erin-at-Myott-Studio" height="478" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/9300831647_4079db13b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Probably a couple of days work. Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.myottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Myott Studio.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/8515279370/" title="P1160877-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-detail by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="P1160877-2013-02-27--Temple-of-God-church-1353-Boyd-Ave-Blandtown-Atlanta-demolished-detail" height="402" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8515279370_cfb28dcca8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />For the Atlanta insiders: I'm facing due east. The straight-line hill with the streetlights is the dam for Reservoir Number 1.

A Wake for the Last Church in Blandtown

But see, folks used to live in Blandtown and they built some pretty churches. I'd like to pay my respects to the folks who met here, got...

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Finding Spivey Hall - Its Pretty Side Faces the Lake

<br />"Nobody" went to Morrow, Georgia until they built Spivey Hall.<br /><br />It's a bold claim: "one of the finest facilities...in the nation..." and there is so much that fascinates about this small auditorium in Morrow, Georgia, south of the cultural centers of metro Atlanta. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6sMTAKrC3j6TcxzBXlv5vPxUdISk2ENq5buz_Asxn26-0YNY2I9wMyEh44_t_nQ5kSlh0TsByMmwVYisu5jmiw_ej0XOJkyCmeN772rqkyvnfsaNSwpajrOMXnt27rBQ8ky7cgedfJNX/s1600/IMG_1591-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-Entrance.jpg"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6sMTAKrC3j6TcxzBXlv5vPxUdISk2ENq5buz_Asxn26-0YNY2I9wMyEh44_t_nQ5kSlh0TsByMmwVYisu5jmiw_ej0XOJkyCmeN772rqkyvnfsaNSwpajrOMXnt27rBQ8ky7cgedfJNX/s640/IMG_1591-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-Entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.spiveyhall.org/" target="_blank">Spivey Hall</a> is a 392 seat concert hall completed in 1991 at Clayton State University. On June 29 I went to a free 11am concert culminating a choral workshop, about 60 voices accompanied by piano and organ. Brief expert commentary: They rocked!. Spivey Hall rocked.<br /><br />I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside the concert hall. <a href="http://www.spiveyhall.org/about-spivey-hall/photo-gallery/" target="_blank">You can find some here</a>. So I'll show you a bit of the outside so you won't be surprised when you visit.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=spivey+hall+simpson+drive+clayton+state+map&fb=1&gl=us&hq=spivey+hall+simpson+drive+clayton+state&cid=0,0,4012206401566790363&t=h&ll=33.593325,-84.329242&spn=0.003033,0.003428&z=18&output=embed" width="640"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=spivey+hall+simpson+drive+clayton+state+map&fb=1&gl=us&hq=spivey+hall+simpson+drive+clayton+state&cid=0,0,4012206401566790363&t=h&ll=33.593325,-84.329242&spn=0.003033,0.003428&z=18&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />Clayton State University is a low slung campus in a park overlooking lakes and ponds. Spivey Hall's curvy side faces Swan Lake. The curve houses the lobby and grand stair. The stage is on the street-side. The music school connects on the south.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9198038276/" title="IMG_1613-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-of-street-facade-brick-Clayton-State-University-distant by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1613-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-of-street-facade-brick-Clayton-State-University-distant" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/9198038276_8886a8ea83_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />This is Spivey Hall from the street. It does not express itself on the outside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9195282133/" title="IMG_1615-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-exterior-brick-cornice-bands-pilasters-corbels by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1615-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-exterior-brick-cornice-bands-pilasters-corbels" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9195282133_3b01e7cb7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />It's rather a shock, I didn't expect a brick box. But this is above average for the backside of a theater though most backsides face the back.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9195219759/" title="IMG_1611-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-of street-facade-brick-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1611-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-of street-facade-brick-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9195219759_b84f2df805_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />You really need the sign. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9187665147/" title="IMG_1591-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-Entrance-wide-angle by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1591-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-Entrance-wide-angle" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9187665147_8d6de8d6ba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />You enter to the back-left, there's a porte-cochère next to the comfortable entry.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9195206565/" title="IMG_1607-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-lobby-to-lake-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1607-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-lobby-to-lake-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9195206565_d5dab09dec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The entry is on the second floor. The lake side is a glass wall, though it's hard to see the lake though the trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9197994048/" title="IMG_1608-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-and-grand-lobby-to-lake-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1608-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-and-grand-lobby-to-lake-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9197994048_aa71d102b1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The entry is a balcony overlooking the grand lobby, the stair, and the lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9195208369/" title="IMG_1608-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-and-grand-lobby-buffet-tables-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1608-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-view-from-stair-and-grand-lobby-buffet-tables-Clayton-State-University" height="372" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/9195208369_fd4b54d087_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />They set up the lobby for an after concert buffet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9187665379/" title="IMG_1592-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1592-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9187665379_260f29a02c_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br />From the stair you pick up all the design themes, lake to the left, lyre themed balustrade, black marble floors (but not in the auditorium), faux-painted colossal pink columns, crystal sconces, blue rectangles on the walls.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9187742335/" title="IMG_1597-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-chandelier-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1597-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-chandelier-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9187742335_31f7507de3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The lobby feels bigger than it is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9190557962/" title="IMG_1598-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-lobby-painted-faux-marble-pilasters-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1598-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-lobby-painted-faux-marble-pilasters-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9190557962_ce766d715c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />It's quite comfortable, it's open with many cozy comers and niches. The outgoing and the wallflowers can feel good in here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9187681759/" title="IMG_1595-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-chandelier-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1595-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-grand-stair-and-theater-lobby-chandelier-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9187681759_4c5f17e0a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />This is the view as you exit the auditorium seeing through the lobby to the lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/9187860711/" title="IMG_1602-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-brick-lakefront-facade-Clayton-State-University by clambake444, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1602-2013-06-29--Spivey-Hall-brick-lakefront-facade-Clayton-State-University" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9187860711_8a6cf6d57b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I walked out to see the lake side. But it's so grown up you really can't see the pretty side very well.<br /><br />Now that you can find your way I suggest you visit next Saturday for a Sacred Harp sing:<a href="http://www.spiveyhall.org/concerts/sacred-harp-singing-and-luncheon" target="_blank"> Community Singing and Potluck Luncheon: Saturday, July 20, 10AM - 4PM</a>. It's free.

Finding Spivey Hall - Its Pretty Side Faces the Lake

"Nobody" went to Morrow, Georgia until they built Spivey Hall. It's a bold claim: "one of the finest facilities...in the ...

Read more »