The Rev. Dr. Nelson Price, a longtime religious leader in Cobb County, has died at age 94, according to Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home.
Price served as pastor of Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta for more than 30 years. During his tenure, the church expanded its campus to include a 4,000-seat worship center, which was the second-largest sanctuary in the Southeast when it was completed. Under his leadership, the congregation grew from several hundred members to about 10,000, making it one of the early “megachurches” in the United States.
In 1977, Price was invited to preach before President Jimmy Carter and his cabinet. Carter referred to him as the “Baptist preacher who wears alligator shoes,” according to reports.
A native of Mississippi, Price also served as vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention but remained committed to Georgia throughout his career.
“I’ve prayed for nine years about this,” Price told the Baptist Press in 2000 when he announced his retirement. “I trust the Lord will continue to give me speaking engagements but I do plan on staying in Georgia. I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community.”
“I’ve truly loved this church,” he added. “The unity and the love are so rare and refreshing that it has been such a blessing to be a part of.”
The Rev. Dan Moran, associate pastor at Roswell Street Baptist Church, said he met Price only a few times but quickly noticed his care for others and his congregation. Moran described Price as a mentor for ministers and an important spiritual leader for Marietta.
“He just loved the community. And I would say he was definitely the pastor for Marietta,” Moran told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday.
“Guys like me and the ones that have followed him will stand on the shoulders of a great man of God named Nelson Price, and he will be truly missed.”
Funeral arrangements were not complete as of Sunday but are expected to be finalized by Monday.
