Imagine stumbling upon a piece of European history right here in Atlanta. This is the Cathedral of Christ the King. It is the main church for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
The story of the Atlanta Metropolitan Cathedral begins in 1936. Bishop Gerald O’Hara of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah recognized Atlanta’s growing importance. He wanted a parish north of the city. Buckhead was becoming a popular suburb. O’Hara bought land for a new church.
Interestingly this land had belonged to the Ku Klux Klan. Their former headquarters was a mansion on the property. The diocese paid $35,000 for the land and mansion. That is equivalent to $768,000 today.
Christ the King Church was established on June 15, 1936. It was Atlanta’s fifth parish. The mansion became a rectory. A temporary altar was built on the front porch. The first mass was held on August 15, 1936. Father Joseph Moylan was the first pastor. The church started with about 400 adults and 109 children.
Bishop O’Hara wanted Atlanta to be a co-cathedral city. In 1937, the Holy See agreed. Christ the King became a co-cathedral with Savannah.
The church hired Henry D. Dagit Jr. to design a new building. Dagit’s firm had designed many churches. The design was similar to a chapel at Rosemont College. Construction began in 1937. The cornerstone was laid on October 31, 1937. Construction finished in December 1938.
The Cathedral of Christ the King was dedicated on January 18, 1939. Many important people attended. Even an imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan was present. Architectural Record called it Atlanta’s most beautiful building that year.
After World War II, Buckhead grew quickly. In 1956, Atlanta became its own diocese. Christ the King became the sole cathedral. In 1962, Atlanta became an archdiocese. Christ the King became the archbishop’s seat.
The Atlanta Metropolitan Cathedral was designed in the French Gothic style. It lacks flying buttresses. The materials included Indiana limestone and Georgia granite and marble. The inside could hold about 700 people. There are 65 stained-glass windows. Willet Studios of Philadelphia designed them.
As of 2012, about 5,200 families were members. The church also has a school for kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is called Christ the King School. It has over 500 students.
The Atlanta Metropolitan Cathedral stands at 2699 Peachtree Road. It is near other large churches. These include the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Philip and Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church.
The cathedral is a beautiful and historic place. It shows the growth of Catholicism in Atlanta. It has evolved into a diverse parish. It is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a symbol of faith in the heart of Atlanta.