Hapeville officials hope old church will help promote tourism
A 19th century church could play a big part in Hapeville’s 21st century hopes.
Officials in the south Fulton city are trying to determine the best use for Christ Church, which the city bought for $128,000 and moved to the city’s park in July.
According to Hapeville Historical Society President Charlotte Rentz, the former Episcopal church was built in the late 1890s and is the oldest standing church structure in the city.
During the last century, the church served a variety of uses, including a school and residence. The church was first moved from near Loop Road in the 1980s, when Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expanded. The church was moved near the city’s historic railroad depot, but that didn’t provide a good fit.
“Every time a critical moment came during a wedding ceremony or a meeting, a train would come by,” Rentz said.
City officials decided to buy and refurbish the church. Some ideas they are considering are using it for weddings or small exhibitions.
The purchase is the latest in the city’s efforts to make the area more of a tourist destination.
City Manager Bill Werner said the city received an $800,000 grant to renovate the historic railroad depot, which could serve as a permanent welcome center.
The city also bought two historic buildings on North Central Avenue for $174,000 and is considering how to use them.
Hapeville also hopes to have a presence in Jacoby Development’s planned redevelopment of the 122-acre Ford assembly plant.
“With the history of this city, we’re really trying to increase our tourist capabilities,” Werner said.
