Paradise Baptist Church is one of Atlanta’s oldest historically Black churches – established in 1865, just after the Civil War. It grew out of a community Sunday School founded by then 12-year-old Dinah Watts Pace. Now, nearly two centuries later, the church is celebrating 160 years of faith, community, education, and economic development. Originally located in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood and now in Grove Park, Paradise has remained a community cornerstone throughout its history.

For a special audio documentary, “Closer Look” host Rose Scott and the team visited the church, which now sits at the intersection of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Matilda Place in northwest Atlanta. Scott talks with church leaders about the church’s historical impact, its evolving role in the community, and how its legacy informs a forward-looking mission grounded in service, growth, and faith. Guests included: 

Dr. Charles A. Harper III, Paradise’s lead pastor

Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins, Sr., executive pastor of Paradise

Fred Stevens, consultant-in-residence with the Paradise Community Development Center, and

Dr. Arletta Brinson, a lifelong member of the church, executive director of the Paradise Community Development Center, and co-chair of the church’s 160th anniversary

<a href="https://www.paradiseatlmbc.org/">Paradise Baptist Church</a> is one of Atlanta&rsquo;s oldest historically Black churches &ndash; established in 1865, just after the Civil War. It grew out of a community Sunday School founded by then 12-year-old Dinah Watts Pace. Now, nearly two centuries later, the church is celebrating 160 years of faith, community, education, and economic development. Originally located in Atlanta&rsquo;s Summerhill neighborhood and now in Grove Park, Paradise has remained a community cornerstone throughout its history.
For a special audio documentary, &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; host Rose Scott and the team visited the church, which now sits at the intersection of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Matilda Place in northwest Atlanta. Scott talks with church leaders about the church&rsquo;s historical impact, its evolving role in the community, and how its legacy informs a forward-looking mission grounded in service, growth, and faith. Guests included:&nbsp;
Dr. Charles A. Harper III, Paradise&rsquo;s lead pastor
Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins, Sr., executive pastor of Paradise
Fred Stevens, consultant-in-residence with the Paradise Community Development Center, and
Dr. Arletta Brinson, a lifelong member of the church, executive director of the Paradise Community Development Center, and co-chair of the church&rsquo;s 160th anniversary

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.