The First AME Church of Athens sits atop a steep hill in the shadows of the Jesse B. Denny Towers. An old bell tower caps the sanctuary which shows its age through peeling paint and roof tiles. The adjoining education center is a new addition -- the brick is fresh and the window panes a crisp white. Dr. Richard Allen Washington pastors this African Methodist Episcopal church. Bible study classes are offered to adults and children on Sunday mornings, the women's ministry leads a special monthly gathering of young people for in-depth Bible discussion and the church features several other programs for youth, including tutoring services.