History
Founded in 1848, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is located at the corner of Peachtree and 16th Streets, next to the Woodruff Arts Center. We are an urban church known for being a leader in worship, spiritual formation, service, community relationships, and the arts. Many families who have helped build this city have been and are members of FPC and the church has celebrated some notable milestones. FPC continues to build on these traditions as we look forward to our 175th Anniversary in 2023.
Guided by a long-range master plan, First Presbyterian has thoughtfully renewed its campus to better serve the congregation and community. Highlights include The Correll Family Commons, a welcoming central gathering space, renovated meeting rooms with enhanced audiovisual technology, and refreshed outdoor spaces, including the peaceful DuPre Garden.
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2020.
A brief history of First Presbyterian
1848-1879
Congregation takes root
On January 8, 1848, nineteen Presbyterians gathered to establish a congregation in the young railroad town of Atlanta. Initially meeting near Peachtree and Houston Streets, the congregation dedicated its first permanent church on Marietta Street in 1852. A larger building followed in 1879 as both Atlanta and First Presbyterian continued to grow.
1922-1940
Reaching beyond our walls
In 1922, First Presbyterian became an early pioneer in religious broadcasting when Dr. J. Sprole Lyons agreed to transmit worship services over Atlanta's new WSB radio station. The campus continued to develop, with additions designed by architect A. Ten Eyck Brown in the late 1920s. During this period, the Sanctuary's remarkable collection of stained-glass windows also took shape, enriching a space designed for worship, music and reflection.
1950s–1970s
Faith in a Changing City
As Atlanta navigated the Civil Rights Movement, First Presbyterian faced the challenges of a changing city. Senior pastor Harry Fifield signed the 1957 Ministers' Manifesto, and the church welcomed members of The Temple following its bombing in 1958. In 1968, members provided food and hospitality for visitors attending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. Community outreach expanded in the following decade through ministries serving young adults, refugees and international students.
1980s–2000s
Expanding Our Community
First Presbyterian continued to broaden its ministry through local outreach, global mission partnerships, education and congregational life. As Midtown evolved, the church strengthened its connections with neighbors while developing programs that extended its work beyond the Peachtree Street campus. New generations of members carried forward a commitment to worship, learning, service and community.
2020-present
Preserving the Past, Serving the Future
On May 29, 2020, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the architectural and artistic significance of its historic campus. In 2023, the congregation celebrated its 175th anniversary. Today, First Presbyterian continues to honor its heritage while welcoming new generations into a living community of faith in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.
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Did you know?
MISSION
Among our numerous local mission efforts, FPC has a thirty-five-year tradition of feeding 250 homeless guests breakfast every Sunday and offering up to 12 women safe housing and support through the Women’s Transformation Center on campus.
PRESCHOOL
We are home to the longest continually-running preschool in the southeast, founded 70 years ago.
BROADCAST
We have the oldest continuous religious radio broadcast in the world, airing on WSB radio since 1922. FPC was also the first Atlanta church to broadcast its services on television—a broadcast that continues today.
ARTS
FPC has strong relationships with the surrounding arts community, including the High Museum of Art, Museum of Design Atlanta, Alliance Theater, Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, and others. The church regularly hosts concerts and events through these partnerships.
Take a tour of our stained glass
Pastor Dr. J. Sproul Lyons developed a plan and designs for installation of stained glass windows. The ten windows around the floor of the sanctuary tell the story of the bible from Abraham to the spread of Christianity by the apostles after the crucifixion and resurrection. There are a total of twenty windows in four locations. Seven windows are by Tiffany, four by D’Ascenzo, and nine by Willet.