The importance of Augusta's place in the history of black Americans is hard to overemphasize. Individuals who called Augusta home and institutions that sprang up on its soil left indelible marks on American culture. Their influences continue to resonate and extend beyond the lives of any who live here today.
From colonial times, when free blacks organized Springfield Baptist Church, to the burgeoning black commercial district early in this century, black men and women made an impact on Augusta. And black Augustans influenced the history of this nation. Some local sites reflect this rich history.
SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
114 12th St.
Although the church claims 1787 as the official year of establishment, making it the oldest black church in Georgia, its roots actually predate the American Revolution. In his book Old Springfield history professor Edward J. Cashin writes that ``Springfield is not only the oldest black Baptist church in America, it is the oldest black church of any denomination.''
In 1867, the church founded a school, the Augusta Institute, with 37 students. In 1879 the school moved to Atlanta, and changed its name to the Atlanta Baptist Institute. In 1913, it adopted the name Morehouse College, a name that would come to signify progress and prestige among black Americans.
Morehouse faculty, students and alumni are in Augusta today celebrating the 130th anniversary of the school's founding at Springfield. The celebration will begin with a worship service at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in the old chapel.
TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH
1223 Laney-Walker Blvd.
Founded in 1885 by the Rev. Charles T. Walker, Tabernacle quickly grew into the most influential church in Augusta's black community. The Rev. Walker was known as a passionate orator and a man who demanded respect from all others, black or white. He introduced President-elect William Howard Taft during his visit to Augusta in 1909. The traditions of Rev. Walker's quest for justice and morality lived on at Tabernacle Baptist, which became the center for Augusta's civil rights efforts in the 1960s. The C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School on Wrightsboro Road is named for him.
CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY
120 Watkins St.
In 1820 the city of Augusta allotted 40 acres for an official black cemetery where slaves were laid to rest in wooden boxes. After the Civil War, it became the resting place for Augusta's most prominent black citizens. The graves of T.W. Josey, the popular community activist and physician, and R.A. Dent, Augusta's first black state legislator, lie behind its walls. Among other notable graves there is that of Amanda America Dickson Toomer, heiress of David Dickson, a wealthy plantation owner. Accounts described her at the time of her death in 1893 as ``the richest colored woman in Georgia.''
LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUM
1116 Phillips St.
The museum sits on the site of the former home of Augusta's celebrated black educator and activist. Born in Macon to slave parents in 1855, Laney attended Atlanta University before moving to Augusta. In 1886, Lucy Craft Laney established the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute. By 1888 she was in charge of 325 students and had graduated her first class. She dedicated her life to the education and moral guidance of Augusta's black children. She lived on Phillips Street until her death in 1933. Her house burned in 1986. The Augusta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority purchased the property in 1987 and restored the house.
PAINE COLLEGE
1235 15th St.
Originally Paine Institute, it was named in honor of Bishop Robert Paine, who helped organize Augusta's Colored Methodist Episcopal church in 1870. The college was founded in 1882 by a joint effort of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (now United Methodist), and the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now Christian Methodist Episcopal). The school held its first classes in a rented space at 10th and Broad streets two years later.
It became Paine College in 1903. Among its notable alumni are novelist Frank Yerby and Dr. Channing H. Tobias, an adviser to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman and a representative to the United Nations.
PILGRIM HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE
1143 Gwinnett St. (Laney-Walker Blvd.)
Established in 1898 as the Pilgrim Benevolent Society, Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance soon became the chief provider of insurance to Augusta's black community. By 1916, Pilgrim had 58,000 policyholders. The headquarters building was dedicated in 1917 at 1143 Gwinnett St. (Laney-Walker), where it still stands. Atlanta Life Inc. bought Pilgrim in 1989 after years of financial loss. Pilgrim merged with Atlanta Life in 1991 and moved its offices to Atlanta, ending more than 90 years of business in Augusta.
The corner of Ninth and Gwinnett became the hub of activity in the black business community during the 1920s. Other black-owned businesses, such as the Penny Savings Bank and the Lenox Theater, strengthened the commercial district during a time of enforced segregation. Penny Savings Bank was forced out of business during the financial crisis of 1929. The Lenox Theater closed its doors in the early '70s. The city purchased the abandoned theater in 1977 for money owed in back taxes. It was torn down in 1978.
Black history events
Many events and activities associated with Black History Month have taken place, but a number remain.
Joiquim Barnes, president of the Paine College Student Government Association, said students were working on various projects for later in the month. One event he eagerly anticipates is what he called the ``pilgrimage from Africa to America,'' a pageant showcasing significant cultural events and individuals, tracing black history from the ancient past to modern times. Works from black artists are to be displayed all over campus this month as well.
Here are more events later this month:
THURSDAY
The Voices of the Franklins present a celebration of Black History with Poems and Songs from the Civil War to the Present at noon in the Butler Lecture Hall of Augusta State University. Admission is free.
FRIDAY
The Paine College Lyceum Series presents Jelly Roll! The Music and the Man, a musical about Jelly Roll Morton, at the Imperial Theatre at 8 p.m. A reception follows at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 640 Broad St., with music by the jazz band Confirmation. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the Paine College business office. For more information, call 821-8324.
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
Blacks in Government is sponsoring a black history celebratin at the Officers' Club at Fort Gordon. The celebration includes cocktails and dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. and a fashion show and step show from 8:30 to 9:30, followed by a dance. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14.50 at the door. For more information, call 791-2205.
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
The National Technical Association is sponsoring a Black History Bowl at T.W. Josey High School, 1701 15th St. Teams of middle and high school students will demonstrate their knowledge of the contributions made by Africans and black Americans to world culture. The program begins at 6 p.m. Entry fees are $10 per team. For more information, call 793-4402.
