Heaven Bound

BIG BETHEL
A. M. E. CHURCH

“HEAVEN
BOUND” RETURNS FOR ITS 82nd PERFORMANCE

AN
ATLANTA
TRADITION CONTINUES ON AUBURN
  AVENUE

Atlanta,
GA (8/15/12).  Big Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church presents its 82nd annual performance of Heaven
Bound, November 9 – 10¸ 2012 at 7:00 P.M., on both nights.  The Friday night performance is the
traditional version and the Saturday night performance is the contemporary
version.  This legendary African American
folk drama tells the story of pilgrims on their way to heaven. Comprised of
cast members from the congregation, Heaven Bound continues its
time-honored legacy of the oral tradition through hymns, spirituals, and
dramatic storytelling. The play portrays suspenseful conflict between the
pilgrims and Satan. Who will make it through the “pearly gates?” Surprises
abound!

Written and produced by two
choirs members, Nellie Lindley Davis and Lula Byrd Jones, Heaven Bound first debuted
on February 17, 1930, at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was
hailed soon after as "the first great American folk drama" by Theatre Guild magazine and the New York Times as “Atlanta’s most
enduring tradition.”  Come and experience
this very powerful and important performance as we mark the 82nd production.  Call for tickets at (404) 827-9707 or www.bigbethelame.org  (prices $12.00 adults, $10.00 children and
students with ID).  Join us for this
wonderful tradition in the life of Big Bethel and the Atlanta community. 

About Big Bethel AME Church

Big Bethel continues to play an
important role in transforming the lives of others and enhancing its community.  It constructed Bethel Towers, low income
housing apartments and Big Bethel Village, an independent living facility for
aging but active adults; established Bethel Trinity House, a transitional
housing and rehabilitation program for men recovering from alcohol and drug
addiction; and Integral Group to build “Renaissance Walk” on Auburn Avenue, a
community of upscale condominiums and retail establishments.  The Big Bethel church ministry is led by Rev.
Gregory V. Eason, Sr., Senior Pastor and is located at 220 Auburn Avenue in the
Sweet Auburn district of downtown Atlanta.