Cathedral of Christ the King

In 1936, amidst the Great Depression, a beacon of faith emerged in Atlanta: the Cathedral of Christ the King. This majestic structure, located on Peachtree Road, stands as a testament to a fascinating and somewhat ironic history. The land upon which the Cathedral of Christ the King was built held a surprising past. It was once the headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan, their so-called “Imperial Palace.” Bishop Gerald O’Hara, recognizing the burgeoning Catholic population in Buckhead, purchased the land in 1936. The former mansion became the first rectory, and the front porch served as a makeshift altar for the inaugural mass. The Cathedral of Christ the King was designed by Henry D. Dagit Jr. in the French Gothic style, a stark contrast to its former occupants. The building, constructed with Indiana limestone, Georgia granite, and marble, was completed in December 1938. Its dedication, a grand affair, took place on January 18, 1939. The Cathedral boasts 65 stained-glass windows, each a vibrant tableau of biblical scenes. These windows, created by Willet Studios, flood the sanctuary with a kaleidoscope of colors, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. The Cathedral of Christ the King wasn’t always a cathedral. It began as Christ the King Church. It then became a co-cathedral, sharing the title with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. Finally, in 1956, it became the sole cathedral for the newly formed Diocese of Atlanta, later elevated to an archdiocese in 1962. Today, the Cathedral of Christ the King serves a thriving community of over 5,000 families. It stands as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and faith, its history a reminder of how even from the darkest of places, hope can emerge.