Elvis Presley's Childhood Church
Tupelo, Lee County, Mississippi
Marker Inscription
Elvis Presley's Childhood Church Attend a Pentecostal church service where Elvis first fell in love with gospel music. Elvis Presley Birthplace presents a unique experience in the First Assembly of God Church where Elvis and his family regularly attended services. This structure was originally one block away on Adams Street. To make way for a larger building, the old church was moved across the street and turned into a residence. In 2008 the building was moved to this site and restored to its original condition. Pentecostal congregations were known for their extended services. One Neighbor recalls sitting on the porch on a hot summer's evening and hearing the sweet gospel singing continuing until late into the night. This 15 minute production takes you back to a typical evening service in the 1940's.
The Story
This restored sanctuary recreates the First Assembly of God church that a young Elvis Presley and his family attended in Depression- and wartime-era Tupelo. In these small Pentecostal congregations, services ran long into the evening and were filled with fervent gospel singing — the sound that first stirred the boy who would remake American popular music. Moved and restored beside the Presley birthplace, the building lets visitors sit in on a 1940s-style service.
Why it matters
It preserves the humble, church-pew origins of one of the 20th century's most influential entertainers and shows how gospel music shaped the roots of rock and roll.
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Related people
- · Elvis Presley
Themes & tags
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