Mulberry Street United Methodist Church

In 1826, when Macon was a struggling settlement on the west bank of the Ocmulgee River, the Georgia Legislature deeded the lot on the corner of First Street and Mulberry Street to the newly formed Methodist Society.  This corner was just outside the city of Macon.  The first church building was built here in 1828, and Bishop Francis Asbury ordained the first minister of Mulberry.  The Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church was founded here in 1831 and since then Mulberry has been known as "The Mother Church of Geogia Methodism."

The present sanctuary, built in 1849, has had many faces over the years.  Today's 80,000-square foot building was completed in 1927 as part of a major project to modernize the facilities and bring the church proudly into the 20th century.  In 1965, the citizens of Macon watched in shock as flames leapt from the roof of the sanctuary.  Miraculously, the beautiful collection of stained glass windows survived the fire and were reinstalled for the reopening in 1968.

From the Civil War through the reconstruction of the South, the Industrial revolution, two World Wars and the Great Depression, this church has not only stood steadfast on this corner but has spread its influence throughout the world.  Beginning with Dr. William Burke's mission work in China in 1887 and including today's support of missions in Costa Rica and Africa, the influence of Mulberry is truly felt around the world.  Macon Outreach, which is housed in this building, provides food and services on a daily basis to hundreds of needy people here in downtown Macon.

Today we celebrate the new face of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.  We hope that we have risen to the task of honoring the historic and architectural heritage of this great building and enhancing the facilities to provide the most modern and efficient way to minister to this congregation as well as to our city and our world.  The gothic stone towers rise over Mulberry Street to remind us all that there has never been anything on this corner except a house of worship.

website:  www.mulberrymethodist.org