Significant events and movements have been "birthed" in the heart of Georgia.

In 1806, Fort Hawkins, a military post, was built giving birth to what would become the City of Macon, which was laid out in 1823. The Fort Hawkins area continues to be known as "the birthplace of Macon." Our Hope for the Heart of Georgia headquarters are appropriately located in the birthplace of Macon!

In 1836, Macon answered the call of Texas for freedom. A "lone star" flag was designed and sewn in Macon and Macon soldiers departed carrying the same. The design of the state flag of Texas, the "Lone Star State," is attributed, at least in part, to being originated in Macon.

Also in 1836, what is now known as Wesleyan College was chartered as the Georgia Female College and is the world's oldest college granting degrees to women.

Often called the “birthplace of Southern Rock,” Macon’s deep musical roots highlight the city’s sense of sound. Otis Redding, Little Richard, Jason Aldean, The Allman Brothers, are all natives of the heart of Georgia. The influence of sounds created and released in Macon can literally be felt all over the world.

The first documented Christian baptisms in the heart of Georgia were also the first documented Christian baptisms in America as two Okmulgee boys were baptized in the Ocmulgee River in 1540.

Even before church buildings were erected in Macon beginning in the 1820s and 1830s, people gathered in "houses of worship" in the area now known as Central City Park.

A great revival took place in 1835 as "all denominations met at the Methodist Church." Further, Rev. John Howard's letter, dated July 6, 1835, said about the revival, "swarming multitudes continually thronged the Church at every appointed preaching. The altar was at every summons crowded with humble pentitents... Many of our best citizens are numbered by the different denominations, who are the fruits of this most gracious revival.

It has been nearly 200 years since this revival and it may have been that long since the heart of Georgia has seen that level of unity in the body of Christ.