​​First Church of Christ, Scientist

​First Church of Christ, Scientist is one of the most magnificent historic buildings in Midtown Atlanta. Built between 1913-26 in the classical revival style, it has been called, “the best example of neoclassical style in the city” (Atlanta Magazine, December 1982).

EXPLORER'S TIP: Next time you're near this church, walk up the staircase, stand in front of the main entrance and look up at the Corinthian columns. Take a close look at the architectural details of this magnificent building.

SOME INTERESTING HISTORY...

1. On June 13, 1913, the cornerstone of our present “grand Cathedral” was laid.  Our church edifice is one of Atlanta’s outstanding monumental buildings and notable for its design and perfection of detail and workmanship.  Of particular excellence is the intricate brickwork and masonry of the exterior walls of the building.  For many years after the completion of the edifice, brick-masons would claim to have worked on “that church on Peachtree and Fifteenth” as an example of their craftsmanship.  In fact it has been said, humorously, that if every bricklayer actually worked on our church building who claimed to have done so, only a few dozen bricks could have been laid by any one of them.
2. A committee of church members was appointed to investigate possible sites for another church edifice.  Ansley Park was rapidly developing into a very desirable home section and a fan-shaped lot large enough for a church building was available on the northeast corner of Peachtree and Fifteenth Streets.  At first, some members objected to the proposed location feeling that it was too far out from town.  However, a member, J. T. Holleman, Sr., with loving foresight, purchased the lot personally for $16,000 and held it to forestall anyone else acquiring the site.  After a further sixteen months search for a site, the membership decided that the Peachtree and Fifteenth Streets lot was the most suitable situation for the new edifice of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta, and title to the lot was transferred by the church member owner on January 5, 1910 to the Church corporation.

Source: History of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta

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