The City of Johns Creek conducted its first maintenance on the grounds of the abandoned Macedonia African Methodist Church Cemetery under the new Fulton County agreement.

On July 10, the City Council unanimously voted for the City to accept the maintenance easement from Fulton County, which allows Johns Creek’s Public Works Department access to the cemetery.

“This is a good first step in helping to preserve a significantly important historical site in the City,” said Johns Creek City Manager Warren Hutmacher.

While this is the second time in the past year that the City has conducted ground maintenance on the cemetery, which includes cutting grass, weeds, trimming, and removing other rubbish and debris, it is the first time under the new agreement.

The City will now include the cemetery as part of the routine ground maintenance it conducts throughout Johns Creek.  It is estimated that the additional maintenance will cost approximately $3,600 annually.

While the history is not exactly clear, it is believed that the African-American slave cemetery dates back to the mid-1800’s, and has more than 53 marked and unmarked graves.  Long-term, the City hopes to work with outside organizations that are better positioned to unveil a more accurate history, and that can provide for a sustainable plan to improve and maintain the cemetery.

It is still unclear as to who exactly owns the property.  However, the City will continue to provide routine ground maintenance to help improve the condition of the cemetery.

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