An Atlanta church recently found out it’s set to be auctioned off by creditors thanks to unpaid property taxes — which the administrators were never aware they had to pay.

As a registered nonprofit, Solid Rock Christian Ministries for years had been exempt from paying property taxes. That status appears to have changed in 2017 — unbeknownst to the church administration — and the organization’s debt had been piling up.

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“We had no clue that we were even getting notifications,” Pastor Jahmaul Williams told WSB-TV. “We had been considered tax exempt.”

More than 45 years ago, Williams’ grandmother had donated her northwest Atlanta house to become the church. But Williams says the church didn’t even realize tax bills were coming in since they were being mailed to a former pastor — who died in 1996.

Administrators became aware they owed back taxes when a groundskeeper noticed a piece of paper tucked under the doormat at the church’s front entrance. As it turns out, Fulton County had sold the tax debt to collection agency Investa Services, which is now pushing to foreclose in August unless the church pays $67,000 in tax debt, interest and fees.

“We have been notified that they are going to try to sell our property on the courthouse steps,” Williams said.

What happened

A county official reportedly told state Sen. Donzella James they revoked the church’s property tax exemption because its title included a person’s name (even though it always has).

The owner is recorded as “Johnson Carrie Admr Church,” named after the church’s first pastor, Carrie Johnson, who died in 1989.

“I cannot understand how a church that is active and functioning in the community could be changed from nonprofit to profit,” James told WSB-TV.

“It’s a lot of people dropping balls here. And now we need to stop this and give them an opportunity to satisfy, rather than have their property sold on the courthouse steps.”

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What’s going to happen next?

The Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta says “all property owned by and operated exclusively as a church or other religious association” is exempt from property taxes.

However, the National Council of Nonprofits notes most state laws require nonprofit corporations to periodically confirm or update their basic contact information, like their mailing address and the names of responsible parties.

WSB-TV reports that under Georgia law, third-party lien holders must notify you within 60 days of assuming your debt and can charge you a one-time 10% penalty, with 1% interest accruing each month.

They must also wait 12 months before foreclosure.

The church has apparently hired a lawyer and is hoping to fix the title issue.

“We should not be taxed,” Williams said. “We are a church. We’ve been known to be a ministry.”

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The Atlanta Braves announced a series of roster moves ahead of Thursday night’s matchup in Queens. Up first, the club reinstated third baseman Austin Riley from the paternity list and recalled right-hander Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta. To clear a roster spot, the club designated infielder Zack Short for assignment.

Luckily, Riley just missed one game since the Braves were rained out. He came back strong in his return, recording two hits.

Hernández has logged 9.2 innings this season and has yet to surrender a run. This will likely be another short stint for him, as a starting pitcher will be promoted in the coming days.

As for Short, playing time in Atlanta became very unlikely after Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Whit Merrifield were added.

More Braves News:

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Michael Harris II was recently transferred to the 60-day IL after he experienced soreness while attempting to recover from a hamstring strain. He is now eligible to be activated on August 14.

Brian Snitker and Dale Alexander are each members of the Appalachian League’s 2024 Hall of Fame Class.

The Braves have reportedly shown interest in right-hander Zach Eflin. The Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals have also checked in on him.

Outfielder Forrest Wall has been claimed by the Miami Marlins after the Braves designated him for assignment earlier this week. The Fish optioned him to Triple-A Jacksonville.

Didier Funetes struck out eight in his Wednesday outing for Augusta. More in the minor league recap.

Nacho Alvarez Jr. rounds out the 7-12 section of the Braves’ Top 30 Prospects.

At this point in the season, the Braves can either turn out like the 2021 Braves or just like the disappointing 2014 team.

David O’Brien of the Athletic discusses Matt Olson’s slump, the player-led meeting, and more.

MLB News:

Dylan Cease no-hit the Washington Nationals and threw the second no-hitter in San Diego Padres history.

The A’s placed closer Mason Miller on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured left hand. In a corresponding move, the club activated Ross Stripling.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are reportedly interested in left-hander Rich Hill. The 44-year-old is currently a free agent.

The Baltimore Orioles placed INF/OF Jorge Mateo on the 10-day injured list with a left elbow subluxation. The injury came on Tuesday after a collision with shortstop Gunnar Henderson.

A’s starters Luis Medina and Alex Wood are each out for the season. Medina is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, and Wood will undergo a procedure on his shoulder.

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-hander A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, the Marlins will receive two prospects.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is aiming to avoid surgery after experiencing lower back inflammation.

By Aubree Dumas

Published July 25, 2024

Whether you’re a local looking for weekend fun or a visitor planning a memorable vacation, Atlanta offers options to suit every taste and age group. Atlanta promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Add some of these locations to your list if you’re planning a fun trip with the family to Atlanta. 

Activate

Prepare for an active adventure with this engaging video game spot. Activate offers a variety of high-tech games that promise both fun and excitement. With hundreds of game combinations and difficulty levels to choose, Activate is perfect for a kid-friendly night out.

Where: 4540 Roswell Road

Beat the Bomb

Experience an explosion of fun with immersive group entertainment. Solve your way through five high-tech, mission-themed game rooms as you attempt to disarm the world’s largest paint bomb. Test your teamwork skills while bonding with the family to beat the clock before getting a colorful splash of a surprise. Families should note that the minimum age to play is 8 years old. Kids ages 8 and 9 must be accompanied by an adult throughout each game, Kids ages 10 to 15 must have an adult on the premises.

Where: 1483 Chattahoochee Ave. NW

Bowlero

Bowlero is perfect for the intown crowd because of its central location in the popular Atlantic Station neighborhood. The lanes feature black lights and comfy seats, providing ample space for a family to enjoy. To top it off, there’s an arcade with games galore and a sports bar for sipping wine or downing a brew while watching the big game. While individuals younger than 21 aren’t permitted after 9 p.m., you can enjoy family time with your little ones before then. Bowlero is a popular spot for kid and teen parties, with arcade games including everything from basketball to throwback racing games.

Where: 261 Nineteenth St. NW 

Puttshack

Puttshack elevates the miniature golf experience with cutting-edge technology. Located on the Westside, Puttshack promises an exciting outing for families, blending interactive gaming with delicious food and beverages to recharge after a thrilling round of mini-golf. Ditch the paper and pen and let technology do the work. Venture around the 9-hole indoor course as each ball tracks your game play to determine whether you win or lose points. Families can enjoy a fun-filled day until 8 p.m. when the venue transitions to a 21+ atmosphere, ensuring a suitable environment for all ages earlier in the day. Anyone younger than 12 is welcome, however, they must be accompanied by an adult. Save some time before or after you play to enjoy a shareable menu inspired by street-food classics both kids and adults can enjoy.

Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road

Painted Pickle

Try out this popular sport in a fun way at Atlanta’s newest high-end pickleball “compeatery” venue. In addition to the eight individually contained courts, there are several interactive games, bars serving drinks (non-alcoholic and spirited) and food to order. Take a break on the many different patio spaces before taking another swing at a game of pickleball with the fam. While Painted Pickle is 21+ on Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m., family members younger than 16 can join the fun as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Where: 279 Ottley Drive NE

Painted Duck 

Situated near 10th Street, the Painted Duck offers games, games and more games including duckpin bowling, Belgian feather bowling, horseshoes, shuffleboard, toad in the hole, snookball and knuckleball. Try duck phat fries, French bread pizza, a classic Cobb salad or a sesame shrimp skewer on the barbie. Instead of picking from mom and dad’s plate, youngsters can have a bite from the kids’ menu with options liked grilled cheese, burgers or hot dogs. Family can enjoy this gaming parlor with little ones on Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. as it becomes 21+ after that.

Where: 976 Brady Ave. NW

Painted Pin

If Buckhead is your locale, find The Painted Pin on Miami Circle. Of course, you can bowl. You also can play bocce ball, Ping-Pong, skittles, darts, Giant Jenga and ring toss. Order Cajun boiled peanuts or ranch and cheddar pork rinds then chase it with fried oyster sliders or your choice of tacos. Save room for rum raisin bread pudding bites. Kid-friendly options include chicken fingers, French fries, waffle dogs and more. Enjoy family-fun Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. as the venue becomes 21+ after 5.

Where: 737 Miami Circle NE

The Escape Game

This family-friendly gaming experience is perfect to test your problem-solving skills in a thrilling way. Get the family together and try your best to escape one of the many themed escape rooms by solving clues and riddles that lead you to your next clue. Try the Cosmic Crisis game and save your spaceship from being endangered by a black hole. It’s hard to run out of ways to game with the many options that rotate year-round. This experience is recommended for ages 13 and up. Kids younger than 14 can play but must participate with an adult. Parents can bring any child age 4 and younger along free of charge.

Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road NW

Topgolf

Think you’re a golf klutz? No worries. Topgolf has games for all levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced. All ages are welcome, too, however, anyone younger than16 must be supervised by a 21+ guest at all times. Get the entire-family together and prepare for a “hole” lot of fun. There’s even an Angry Birds game for fans of the popular family movie. When you work up an appetite, consider bites and shareable, burgers, salads and even breakfast.

Where: 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW

Your 3rd Spot

Your 3rd Spot is the ultimate destination for a vibrant atmosphere and a cutting-edge social dining experience. There are diverse game offerings such as classic arcade games and bowling plus vintage Nintendo console games. Enjoy bites such as shareable chef’s pizza and the popular spicy tuna crispy rice. Upbeat music reverberates throughout the space with a live DJ playing on special nights. Drink options include a zero-proof cocktail menu. Your 3rd Spot is kid-friendly before 5 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends, ensuring a family-friendly environment earlier in the day. Be sure to make a reservation as this Westside favorite can get busy.

Where: 400 Chattahoochee Row NW

With its blend of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and family-friendly venues, the city invites you to create lasting memories together. Keep the family fun going and check out these Free and Family-Friendly Fun Things to do in Atlanta.

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.