Sacred Spaces
The Legacy of Black Churches in Cherokee County, GA
April 9, 2025 - August 30, 2025
Opening in the Byron L. Dobbs Gallery at the Cherokee County History Center this Spring, Sacred Spaces: The Legacy of Black Churches in Cherokee County offers a powerful exploration of the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical impact of Black churches in the region. The churches featured in this exhibit include (in chronological order):
- Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church - Woodstock, GA. Est. 1863
- Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church - Woodstock, GA. Est. 1866
- Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church - Canton, GA. Est. 1872
- Zion Baptist Church - Canton, GA. Est. 1877
- St. Paul AME Church - Canton, GA. Est. 1897
Through photography, religious attire, church minutes and pamphlets, and videos, this exhibit tells the stories of how Black churches in Cherokee County became transformative sacred spaces where historically marginalized communities could come together as one to imagine and work towards a more equal world.
More than a Church
Many of the Black churches in Cherokee County date back to the 1800's, established by either enslaved or recently emancipated people. During times of physical bondage and segregation, churches offered spiritual freedom.
Black churches have always served as sacred spaces for African Americans, where they could say and do whatever they pleased: socially, politically, and religiously.
T-Shirt Pre-order
Ahead of the exhibit opening, pre-order your "Sacred Spaces" t-shirt today. Pre-sale closes Wednesday, April 2 at 11:59 p.m. T-shirts will be available for pickup starting Wednesday, April 9 or at the Exhibit Preview on Tuesday, April 8. Members will be emailed a discount code to use at checkout!
Pre-order
Exhibit Reception
Members of History Cherokee are invited to an Early Preview and Reception for this exhibit on Tuesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. Become a member of History Cherokee to receive your invitation!
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