Our History

History in the heart of Atlanta

Founded in 1848, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is located at the corner of Peachtree and 16th Streets, next to the Woodruff Arts Center. We are an urban church known for being a leader in worship, spiritual formation, service, community relationships, and the arts. Many families who have helped build this city have been and are members of FPC and the church has celebrated some notable milestones. FPC continues to build on these traditions as we look forward to our 175th Anniversary in 2023.

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2020. Click here to view the press release.

Preschool

We are home to the longest continually-running preschool in the southeast, founded 70 years ago.

Mission

Among our numerous local mission efforts, FPC has a thirty-five-year tradition of feeding 250 homeless guests breakfast every Sunday and offering up to 12 women safe housing and support through the Women’s Transformation Center on campus.

Broadcast

We have the oldest continuous religious radio broadcast in the world, airing on WSB radio since 1922. FPC was also the first Atlanta church to broadcast its services on television—a broadcast that continues today.

Learn more about the broadcast's history and help celebrate its 100th anniversary by viewing the video below.

Arts

FPC has strong relationships with the surrounding arts community, including the High Museum of Art, Museum of Design Atlanta, Alliance Theater, Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, and others. The church regularly hosts concerts and events through these partnerships.

Stained Glass

Pastor Dr. Lyons developed a plan and designs for installation of stained glass windows. The ten windows around the floor of the sanctuary tell the story of the bible from Abraham to the spread of Christianity by the apostles after the crucifixion and resurrection.

There are a total of twenty windows in four locations. Seven windows are by Tiffany, four by D’Ascenzo, and nine by Willet. Read more ⧉

Pastors

Explore leadership has helped First Presbyterian Church become the Community of Grace which we are today, from our founding in 1848 through today. Portraits of our Pastors