Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church traces its roots back to 1847, with a group of enslaved persons who were part of “Union Church,” the very first congregation formed in Atlanta. Although Union Church, which eventually disbanded, was established for whites, the original enslaved group that was allowed to worship there remained intact. Whites eventually granted a petition for those enslaved to have their own church and set aside $700 for that purpose. In 1855, “Bethel Tabernacle” was completed. Indeed, while Big Bethel is often referred to as Atlanta's first Black congregation, it is more accurately recognized as Atlanta's oldest congregation, Black or white.