Located in front of the church he founded, this marker points out the success of this clergyman who very much helped improve Nashville.
The marker reads, "Reverend Bill barnes, 1931-2017. Reverend William L. 'Bill' Barnes, a pastor, civil rights leader and teacher, was often called the 'conscience of Nashville.' Rev. Barnes passionately agitated for legislation that would help those marginalized by race, social class, sexual orientation, incarceration or homelessness. He also founded many organizations to bring attention to those issues including MANNA (1975), Project Return (1979) and the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill (O.N.E.) Barnes Scholarship (1995)."
And on the reverse, "In 1966 Rev. Barnes founded Edgehill United Methodist Church, one of Nashville's first intentionally integrated churches. His work, addressing issues like affordable housing, often centered in the Edgehill community. Barnes wanted his work to be carried into the future, believing, much like Saint Oscar Romero, that 'The temple shall remain unfinished until all are housed in dignity.' In 2013 The Barnes Housing Trust, the city's affordable housing fund, was named in his honor."
There is parking along this street if you're stopping to read the marker or attend the church.
[Review 20317 overall - 472 in Tennessee - 1295 of 2023.] read more