First Congregational Church (Atlanta) facts for kids
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First Congregational Church
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First Congregational Church (2012)
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 Location in Downtown Atlanta
Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 105 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, Georgia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1908 |
| Built by | Robert E. Pharrow |
| Architect | Alexander Campbell Bruce, Arthur Greene Everett |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000720 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 19, 1979 |
The First Congregational Church (also called First Church) is an important church in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. You can find it at the corner of Courtland Street and John Wesley Dobbs Avenue. Many famous people have been members here, like Alonzo Herndon and Andrew Young. This church welcomes everyone, no matter their background. It also has a wonderful music program! The main minister right now is Dr. Reverend Dwight Andrews, who also teaches music at Emory University.
A Church with a Rich History
How the Church Started
This church is very special because it's the second-oldest African-American Congregational Church in the whole United States! Its story began after the American Civil War. Many formerly enslaved people, called freed people, needed help starting new lives.
The American Missionary Association (AMA) was a group that helped these freed people. They started the Storrs School in Atlanta. This school was a place for education, social help, and worship. People who attended services at the school wanted their own church.
So, in May 1867, a new Congregational Church was officially formed. The AMA even gave them the land for the church. The very first service was held on May 26, 1867. Among its first ten members were Reverend and Mrs. Frederick Ayer. The first president of Atlanta University, Edmund Asa Ware, was also a founding member.
The Church Building Today
The First Congregational Church was never officially separated by race. However, by 1892, most of its members were Black. The building you see today is actually the second church on this spot. It was built in 1908, replacing the original one.
