A Statement to the Athens Community
Regarding the Maddox Center Property
Grace and peace to the Athens community. I am Marben Bland, pastor of Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 140 Rose Street, in Athens, Georgia. Today, on behalf of the church, I want to share an important, prayerful decision regarding the Maddox Center property.
For more than 40 years, the Maddox Center building has stood vacant. Time, weather, and years of deterioration have taken their toll. After careful evaluation by engineers, contractors, church leadership, and community partners, it is clear that the structure is beyond practical restoration to its former glory and service to this community. In addition, the building is uninsured and uninsurable, placing Greater Bethel at serious legal and financial risk.
After a thorough investigation of every reasonable option and much prayer and discernment, the members of Greater Bethel voted unanimously at a church conference to proceed with demolishing the building within the next 60 days.
This decision was not made lightly. We recognize that the Maddox Center holds memories, history, and meaning for many in Athens. Yet Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:1 that “if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, eternal in the heavens.” God’s mission has never been confined to bricks and mortar. Buildings may fade, but ministry, community, and the work of Christ endure. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” and He was speaking about people, not property.
As we move forward, we do not want to do so alone. Greater Bethel wants to hear from the community as we prayerfully consider God’s future vision for this property. We will host three community listening sessions on May 26th, May 27th, and May 30th. Complete details about the meetings are available on our website, gbaathens.org.
As one chapter closes, we believe God is preparing the ground for new possibilities. We trust that what comes next can honor the past’s legacy while serving the needs of future generations. We ask for your prayers, ideas, and partnership as we seek God’s direction together.
May we remember that our greatest calling is not to preserve buildings but to build lives, strengthen community, and advance the Kingdom of God. Thank you. May God bless Athens and Greater Bethel Church.
Watch Maddox Center Announcement From Pastor Marben Bland
Frequently Asked Questions
For more than 40 years, the Maddox Center property has stood as both a symbol of the ministry’s legacy and a growing challenge for Greater Bethel AME Church. This FAQ summarizes the task force’s work, which examined seven possible futures for the property, including doing nothing, selling the land, demolishing the property, restoring it, building a community center, creating housing, and developing a community park. The report examines financial risks, legal concerns, community impact, and long-term ministry opportunities related to the property’s future.
1. Why is Greater Bethel considering demolishing the Maddox Center building?
The building has been vacant for more than 40 years and has deteriorated significantly due to time and weather. The task force concluded that the structure is beyond practical restoration and is also uninsured and uninsurable, creating serious legal and financial risks for the church.
2. How much would demolition cost, and who would pay for it?
The report lists demolition estimates ranging from approximately $17,000 to $41,105, depending on the contractor and scope of work. The task force found that no government grants or public funding sources are currently available for demolishing privately owned buildings, meaning the church would need to fund the project itself.
3. What future uses for the property were considered?
The task force explored seven possibilities: doing nothing, selling the property, demolishing and pausing, building a community center, constructing income-generating housing, creating a community park, and restoring the existing building. Each option was evaluated for cost, risk, ministry impact, and long-term sustainability.
4. How will the church involve the community in the process?
The task force recommends holding community information sessions to gather feedback and explain plans for the property. Outreach would include social media, radio announcements, and neighborhood canvassing to ensure the broader community remains informed and engaged.
5. What did the task force ultimately recommend?
The task force recommended demolishing the building within the next 60 days and then pausing to carefully study the best long-term use of the property. The recommendation emphasizes honoring Reverend Frank A. Maddox’s legacy while protecting the church from ongoing liability and financial risk.
Listen To The Maddox Center Announcement From Pastor Marben Bland
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