An effort to honor one of Nashville's most prominent pastors became official.
On Sunday morning, Mayor Megan Barry announced a one block bridge near the original location of Mount Zion Baptist Church will now be called the Bishop Joseph W. Walker III Overpass.
"My faith teaches me that Pope Francis tells us Christians build bridges so that believers can connect to each other," Mayor Barry said. "And you are a bridge builder."
Thousands celebrated the new name at a special service at Mount Zion's Old Hickory Boulevard location.
Public figures, including Governor Bill Haslam, sent their congratulations via video message.
Jefferson Street, where the bridge is located, is a state-owned road. It was unclear if the new name, which was passed by Metro Council, will legally hold up and if signage will be built.
