Historic Athens Spring Showcase

Historic Churches Excursion & 56th Preservation Awards
Saturday, May 17, 2025

This year’s event features the 56th Preservation Awards hosted at Athens First Christian Church, a self-guided tour of historic churches around Athens-Clarke County and an evening VIP Reception at Little Kings Shuffle Club.

Preservation Awards Ceremony at First Christian Church

After visiting the check-in table inside the Grand Hall, join us in honoring our 56th Preservation Award Winners inside the warm and inviting sanctuary of the 1915 Athens First Christian Church before embarking on a self-guided tour of historic churches in Athens and Winterville. 


Designed by George Washington Kramer, Athens First Christian Church reflects an early 20th century synthesis of two major 19th century developments in church design. Along with serving as an example of a plan which Kramer dubbed “Pulpit in the Corner,” the church’s sanctuary features a sloped floor, a curved balcony, colorful stained glass and an impressive dome. 

Historic Churches Excursion

Following the awards ceremony, Awards & Excursion and All-Inclusive VIP ticket holders can expect to be greeted by friendly faces at each participating church open during the four-hour touring block- including Winterville Methodist Church, Hill First Baptist Church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Oconee Street United Methodist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church West, First African Methodist Episcopal Church, and more! Be sure to consult your event program to learn which locations will have members of their choir performing hymnals that hearken back to the early days of the church.

VIP Reception at Little Kings Shuffle Club

All-Inclusive VIP ticket holders can look forward to an evening reception at Little Kings Shuffle Club, located in the West Downtown Local Historic District. Expect hors d’oeuvres from Slater’s Steakhouse and Marti’s at Midday, and a cash bar supporting the host establishment. 

Schedule

Event Check-In

12:30-1:00 - Check in inside the Grand Hall at Athens First Christian Church.

Awards Ceremony

1:00-2:00 - All ticket holders join us in honoring our 2025 award winners at the 56th Preservation Awards Ceremony in the sanctuary of Athens First Christian Church.

Historic Churches Excursion

2:30-6:30 - Awards & Excursion and All-Inclusive VIP ticket holders explore historic Athens and Winterville churches at your own pace. Consult your event program for details on each participating church.

Reception

7:00-8:30 - All-Inclusive VIP ticket holders enjoy an evening reception at Little Kings Shuffle Club complete with hors d'oeuvres from Slater's Steakhouse and Marti's at Midday.

Parking

Limited parking is available at Athens First Christian Church. To ensure easy access for anyone with mobility limitations, we encourage guests who are able to utilize on-street parking or park at the Washington Street Parking Deck. 

Guests participating in the excursion will be expected to transport themselves to each church. Each church will have parking instructions listed in the event program. 

VIP Reception guests should utilize Downtown Athens public parking.


Secure your tickets before they are gone!

Members can use code historicmember for 10% off Awards & Excursion and All-Inclusive VIP tickets.
Partners, please check your email invitation for your code.
To join or renew for 2025, click here now!

TicketsPrice

Awards Only

The Awards Only ticket includes the 56th Preservation Awards Ceremony hosted inside the sanctuary of Athens First Christian Church.

$35.00

Awards & Excursion

The Awards & Excursion ticket includes the 56th Preservation Awards Ceremony and access to churches participating in the excursion from 2:30-6:30.

$65.00

All-Inclusive VIP (131 remaining)

The All-Inclusive VIP ticket includes the 56th Preservation Awards Ceremony, access to churches participating in the excursion and access to the evening VIP Reception at Little Kings Shuffle Club.

$80.00

Donate

Can't make the event but want to support Historic Athens? Make a tax-deductible contribution to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit!

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