Top 3 Famous Churches in Atlanta
As a city of god-fearing people, Atlanta is blessed with many historic churches. With Easter almost upon us, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at Atlanta’s most famous churches and to explain what makes them so special for our readers. Here are the top 3 famous churches:
1. Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The history of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is long and winding, and one could argue even more exciting than the Immaculate Reception. Before the building that Atlantan’s know today was constructed, a building known simply as “the Catholic Church” was in its place. The Catholic Church was constructed by Atlanta’s earliest Catholics in 1848 using a simple wood frame. The church grew rapidly in the coming years due to increases in immigration to the area caused by cotton production and new commerce. The church’s existence was then tested during the Civil War when General Sherman ordered it to be burned (as well as much of the rest of Atlanta). However, Friar Thomas O’Reilly, who was pastor of the church at the time, managed to convince the North not to burn down the Catholic Church as it would cause massive Catholic desertions in the Federal ranks. His plan worked, and the church would go on to be used as a hospital and place of refuge during and after the war. Once the war was over, instead of repairing the Catholic Church (it was damaged by shells that exploded in its vicinity), it was decided an entirely new building would be built; the one we know today. Designed by Atlanta native William H. Parkins, Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was completed in 1873 and today it stands as the second oldest structure in downtown Atlanta. For more information on the church’s illustrious history, check out its website.
2. Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ebenezer Baptist Church is a landmark of Civil Rights movement. Its most famous member is none other than Martin Luther King Jr., who received his baptism in the church, and would later go on to become its co-pastor with his father Martin Luther King Sr. MLK’s funeral was also held at the church. The church features stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and of course a legacy that not many churches can hope to match.
3. North Point Community Church
North Point Community Church may not have the kind of longevity that other famous churches have, but what it lacks in history, it more than makes up for in size. NPCC is a mega church in the truest sense of the word. It is the largest church in metro Atlanta and the third largest church in the United States, with an estimated 36,000 people in attendance among its six campuses each week. NPCC is classified as a non-denominational, evangelical church. For more information check out their website.
