Coe & Betty Hamling

In 1957 Betty and Coe Hamling held a reception at their home in Avondale for Rev. Edward Cahill, the new minister at the United Liberal Church, a forerunner of the Atlanta UU Congregation. When a small number of black people attended there was a disturbance outside the Hamling home, involving a sign placed on their front yard.

The police were called, and the neighbors came out to see what was going on. The commotion ... was caused by the fact that the Hamling’s were entertaining black friends in Avondale. Although there was no further disturbance that evening, the consequences were extreme.

In her own words, Betty Hamling was "kicked off the PTA." And, she was asked to resign as librarian of the school her children attended. The Hamling’s were summoned to speak to the Avondale city council about the so-called "offense" of hosting the first integrated party in the Atlanta area.

Attorney Morgan Stanford, a church member and friend of the Hamling’s, represented them before the council. He was asked to resign as Attorney for the City of Avondale.

These were scary times for church members active in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. The Hamling’s and others lived with the very real threat that they could be targeted by segregationist hate groups.

Mountain Light is honored to have them as members of our congregation. Their efforts helped to pave the way for a new south and they paid the price for their willingness to be open to others regardless of their race.