History of the Restoration Movement


Luther Albert Atkinson

1897-1978

 

Gospel Preacher In Metro Atlanta, Georgia In The Early To Mid 20th Century

Obituary In The Gospel Advocate

L.A. Atkinson, better known to his friends as Luther, was born July 5, 1897 in Lawrenceville, Ga. Brother Atkinson filled many pulpits during his 38 years from the beginning of his ministry in 1940 with the Griffin, Ga., congregation until the time he departed this life to be with his Maker on October 13, 1978. Brother Atkinson’s love for the truth and his earnest desire to spread God’s word carried him to several different states and congregations. Some of those were Griffin, Ga.; Allendale, S.C.; Waynesville, N.C.; Carey Park in Atlanta, Ga.; Barnwell, S.C.; Bowden, Ga.; Elberton, Ga.; and Camilla, Ga.

In 1919 Brother Atkinson married Mattie Ray and to this union were born three boys and three girls; however, Mattie was taken from him and on December 16, 1953. Brother Atkinson married Mae Ledford, 570 E. Lanier Ave., Fayetteville Ga. 30214.

Brother Atkinson suffered a stroke in May of 1972 leading to his death. He was truly a servant of God, ceasing not from his labors, whose works will surely follow him. (Romans 14:13.)

—Ted Prater, P. O. Box 171, Morrison, Penn. 37357., GA, Vol. CXXII, No.13, July 24, 1980, page 470

Preachers Of Today Volume 1

Why I Left The Christian Church
Luther A. Atkinson Rt. No. 1, BOX 127, ATLANTA, GA

I am forty-three years of age and for twenty-two years was a member of what is known as the Christian Church. For ten years I preached in this organization, pleading with them to accept the truth as revealed, without addition or subtraction, but to no avail. They seem to drift further and further from the Gospel of Christ, which is God's power to save. (Rom. 1:16.) It is not one of the powers; it is THE power; there is no other. In 1 Pet. 1:22, we find this statement," Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the TRUTH through the Spirit, unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." We are also taught that one is born again of incorruptible seed, of the WORD of GOD, which liveth and abideth forever. (Verse 23.) Again, "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you." (1 Pet. 1:25.) Many other passages could be given, but these truths are not believed in the Christian Church.

In the present day they have gone so far into error that, by their teaching, they cannot be distinguished from any other denomination. They do not wear the name that the Lord gave his people, neither do they teach and practice the doctrine of Christ. (2 Jno. 9.) In Colossians 2:21-22, we are told: "Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men." "If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God - speed." (2 Jno. 12.) Some of the preachers of the Christian Church have gone so far as to teach that, if a person is honest, sincere, and conscientious in what he believes, he will surely go marching into heaven. Now friends, if that is true, Christ died in vain, our preaching is vain, and also our faith. (1 Cor. 15:14.) If any way will do, then no way at all will do just as well, and Christ died to promote anything that a person wants to believe. In that case the drunkard, murderer, liar, or whatever they may be are justified, but God forbid any such teaching.

To my denominational friends I would say, awake to righteousness and cease to teach such doctrine, but preach the truth, the Gospel of Christ. The Lord is going to return, "Taking vengence on them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction." (2 Thess. 1:8-9.) And, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1 Pet. 4:18.)

My friends, I denounce false doctrine and that is why I came out from among them. I am now united with the Church of Christ, where the Gospel of Christ is always welcome and where they believe and teach it. This they expect me to do, which I could not in the Christian Church. I was often told that I was preaching the truth but it was too hard. If I can not teach the truth, I will not teach anything. Therefore I left the apologizing brotherhood and took my stand with the body of Christ.

I was baptized September 22, 1940 into the Church of Christ at East Point, Ga., by Brother W. C. Neal. I stand foursquare for the Gospel of Christ and it is too precious for me to apologize for. Jesus said: "Father sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth." (Jno. 17:17.)

I write this with the hope that some others of the denominational world will open their eyes to the truth, the Gospel of Christ.

-Truth In Love, July, 1941, page 6

Directions To Grave of L.A. Atkinson

Luther A. Atkinson is buried in northeast Henry County, Georgia in the Fairview's South Cemetery. The cemetery is located on Fairview Road between Patillo Rd and Thurman Road. In the cemetery the grave is located toward the middle and front. Contact the cemetery office for specific location. GPS location for grave is: 33.614715, -84.231445


Mattie Lois Atkinson
Sept. 28, 1897
Nov. 13, 1952
She was the world's best
She died in the Lord


Luther A.
July 5, 1897
Oct. 13, 1978
He Died Fighting
For The Lord

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