We had flown into New Orleans on our way to Atlanta for the Olympics. Besides not liking the Atlanta airport we wanted to spend time in New Orleans and save money as the flights to airports close to the Olympics were very high.
After a stay in New Orleans we started the drive to Atlanta. We were taking our time enjoying the southern green and feel. We got to Montgomery Alabama and the co-pilot said that she would like to see the capitol building, one of the sites of the civil rights history. It was closed. Alas, it was Sunday.
In a guidebook another place was suggested. It was the Dexter Avenue (King Memorial) Baptist Church. Not far we drove by and saw that they gave tours. On the tour we heard of Rosa Parks, George Wallace, and MLK.
I hung back in the sanctuary and after the group had gone (with the permission of our guide) I went up and stood in the pulpit. There was high up a balcony were 100 years ago the black people had to sit. On the main floor was where everyone now sits after the Civil Rights Movement. I considered what it would be like to preach there, to see Rosa Parks and others in the congregation.
I cannot describe how I felt, but it was emotional for me. I have mounted many famous pulpits in around Europe, but nothing compares to the worn lectern in the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
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