In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, stands a testament to faith and time, the First United Methodist Church of Atlanta. This grand structure has borne witness to the city’s evolution for over 170 years. The story of First United Methodist Church of Atlanta begins in 1845, in a time when Atlanta was merely a humble railroad village known as Marthasville. Samuel Mitchell, a generous soul, donated a plot of land to the Methodists. This land became the site of a simple log cabin, a shared space for both education and worship.
However, the Methodists yearned for a dedicated house of prayer. In 1847, they answered that call by raising $700 to construct their own chapel on Peachtree Street. This chapel, named Wesley Chapel, was a testament to their burgeoning community and a symbol of their commitment to faith. Little did they know that their humble chapel would become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s religious landscape. Over the years, Wesley Chapel nurtured the growth of Methodism in Atlanta. It served as a spiritual incubator, fostering the formation of many other churches in the area. This legacy earned Wesley Chapel the affectionate title of the “Mother of Methodism” in Atlanta.
In 1903, the congregation completed the construction of a magnificent new church at 360 Peachtree Street. This is the structure that graces the cityscape today – the First United Methodist Church of Atlanta. Built with granite quarried from nearby Stone Mountain, the church’s construction cost a then-substantial $161,000, a testament to the congregation’s unwavering dedication. Interestingly, this move to a new location wasn’t the congregation’s first encounter with real estate dealings. In 1902, they made a significant transaction by selling their previous property to none other than Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola. Candler, a man of great ambition, chose this very land to build the iconic Candler Building, which would go on to become the Coca-Cola headquarters and a symbol of Atlanta’s burgeoning commercial success.
The First United Methodist Church of Atlanta is more than just a place of worship. It is a living chronicle of faith, resilience, and community spirit that has shaped the heart of Atlanta for generations.