Atlanta First United Methodist Church stands tall. It has a story etched in its Stone Mountain granite. This church is not just a building. It is a chronicle of faith and resilience. It stands on Peachtree Street. This location is a testament to Atlanta’s evolving spirit.
Atlanta First United Methodist Church began as a humble log house. It was a place for multiple denominations. This was back when Atlanta was Marthasville. Methodists then built Wesley Chapel in 1848. This marked the start of their own worship space.
Wesley Chapel played a vital role. It served the community during the Civil War. Most church bells were melted for cannons. Wesley Chapel’s bell was spared. It sounded alarms for fires and warned of Sherman’s approach. The bell even called slaves from the fields.
The church bell survived Sherman’s torches. It became a symbol of hope. It is the only Atlanta church bell to survive the Civil War. It cost 300 dollars in 1850. One church member donated 100 Mexican silver dollars. They improved the bell’s tone.
The congregation grew. They built a grander church in 1870. It stood where the Candler Building is today. The church sold the property to Asa Candler in 1902. He was the founder of Coca-Cola.
In 1903, Atlanta First United Methodist Church moved again. This time it moved to its present location. Architect Willis F. Denny designed the Gothic Revival building. It cost 161,000 dollars to build. The bell was moved to the new bell tower. It continues to ring today.
The church has been named several names. It was the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Then it was the First Methodist Church. Finally, it became Atlanta First United Methodist Church in 1968.
One funny story involves the church bell. An annoyed woman paid boys to steal the bell’s clapper. The boys dropped it down the First Baptist Church pastor’s well. This prank almost caused an interdenominational crisis.
Today, Atlanta First United Methodist Church rings its bell every Sunday. It signifies the start of worship. It is a reminder of the church’s long history. This history includes faith, generosity, and sacrifice. The church remains in the heart of Atlanta. It ministers to all.