Overlooking Acworth’s Parkside District on opposite sides of Logan Farm Park are two beacons of community reminding the city of its rich African American history and culture, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Zion Hill Baptist Church have stood tall in the heart of Acworth’s Black History since Emancipation.
Bethel A.M.E’s congregation began in 1863, and its current location on School Street was built around 1878 by freed slaves. The bell tower was added in 1895, and Bethel A.M.E. shared its location with Zion Hill Baptist Church’s congregation for many years alternating Sundays. This church and its congregation are part of the foundation that African-American history and community in Acworth were built on. Bethel AME Church was designated as a Local Historic Landmark in October 1998. The Bethel A.M.E. Church is the first church in the City to be designated as a Historic Landmark. Bethel was placed on the US Department of Interior National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Zion Hill Baptist Church began its congregation in 1864 and was founded by freed slaves. Zion Hill shared sanctuary with Bethel A.M.E. Church for years, alternating Sundays until they were able to move to a new church home on Southside Drive. In 1914, Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church moved into its current location on Taylor Street and has served its congregation there ever since.