For immediate release
June 8, 2005

 

KOINONIA FARM TO RECEIVE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER

 

Koinonia Farm has had a significant role in Georgia history since its founding in 1942, and now the farm will be officially commemorated: On May 7, 2005, the Georgia Historical Society approved Koinonia Farm’s application for a Historic Site Marker. Such markers commemorate historically significant people, places, and events in Georgia history, and Koinonia Farm will now join approximately 16 other sites in Sumter County to be honored in this way.

The marker to be erected at Koinonia Farm will be black with silver lettering and will display the Georgia Historical Society’s seal, as well as a brief description of the role Koinonia Farm played in Georgia history. The four organizations that sponsored Koinonia’s application will also be mentioned on the marker: Habitat for Humanity International, the Sumter Historic Trust, Jubilee Partners, and the Prison & Jail Project.

The dedication ceremony for Koinonia Farm’s Historic Site Marker will take place in several months on a date yet to be announced. The Koinonia community is planning an unveiling celebration and gathering, open to the public, for the occasion.

The text of the Historical Site Marker will read: “With a background in theology and agriculture, Georgia native Clarence Jordan (1912-1969), along with his wife, Florence, and Martin and Mabel England, founded Koinonia Farm in 1942. During the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, the agriculture-based religious community gained a reputation for international cooperation. Jordan traveled throughout the U.S. preaching and speaking out against racism, while members of Koinonia Farm endured violence, boycotting, and ostracism from the local community. Koinonia inspired grassroots organizations including Habitat for Humanity. Jordan’s “Cotton Patch” translation of the New Testament was adapted in 1981 into the successful Broadway musical, The Cotton Patch Gospel.”

Today known as Koinonia Partners, the intentional Christian community is located at 1324 GA Highway 49 South. Visitors enjoy tours offered daily and are always welcome to visit the community’s museum and store.

See the Georgia Historical Society's website.

See a list of 2005 Historical Site Marker recipients, including Koinonia.