Flat Rock AME sets anniversary, plans new church fellowship hall

Flat Rock African American Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, one of the oldest churches in Fayette County, will celebrate its 150th anniversary during the month of August, culminating in a 150th Anniversary and Homecoming service Sunday, Aug. 22, at both the 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. services.

And, as part of its “renewed commitment to community concerns,” members would like to build a fellowship hall adjacent to the present church building.

Although the new addition is just in the planning stages, members are seeking donations from members of the community — donations of time, talent, materials or money — according to anniversary committee chair, Linda Parker.

“We’d like it to be a multipurpose facility,” Parker said. “Something that would serve both the church and the community.”

Flat Rock, founded in 1854, is the oldest African American congregation in Fayette County and has served as the mother church from which six other Fayette County churches have been birthed — Holly Grove, Flipper Chapel, Little Vine, Bethlehem Baptist, and Rising Star Baptist. Flat Rock recently installed a new pastor, the Rev. Edward J. Johnson, and is looking for great things in the future, Parker said.

Anniversary events will kick off with a Homecoming revival beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, and continuing through Friday, Aug. 20, with services at 7 p.m. nightly. On Friday, Aug. 20, an Explosive Youth Celebration will be held.

On Sunday, Aug. 22, anniversary events will begin with church school at 10 a.m., followed by a special youth worship service at 11 a.m. A “welcome home” dinner will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m., and at 3 p.m. a special anniversary worship service will be led by the Rev. Michael Baldwin, pastor of Christians for Change Baptist Church in Riverdale.

The church is at 148 Chapel Lane, just off Ga. Hwy. 54 near Adams Farm.

For information about the church, its activities, the anniversary celebration or related events, call Johnson or Parker at 770-461-0283.