First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to Worship, History, and Community

First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the city’s oldest and most recognizable churches, especially for anyone who spends time around Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, are new to the area, or are visiting and looking for a place to worship or explore, this guide walks you through what to know about First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and how it fits into the life of the city.

Where First Presbyterian Church Atlanta Is and How to Get There

Location
First Presbyterian Church is located in the heart of Midtown, near major landmarks and transportation routes:

• Address: 1328 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• General Area: Midtown Atlanta, along the Peachtree corridor
• Nearby Landmarks: Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art, MARTA Arts Center Station

Getting there in Atlanta

• By MARTA:
  • Take the Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
  • The church is typically a short walk east along 15th Street NE and Peachtree Street NE, commonly within a few blocks.
• By car:
  • Accessible via I-75/85 Connector, using exits that lead to Midtown and Peachtree Street.
  • Midtown streets can be busy during rush hours and major events, so plan extra time.
• Parking:
  • Many Midtown churches and institutions provide access to nearby parking decks or lots for worship services and events.
  • It’s common for visitors to look for clearly marked church parking signs or ask church staff/volunteers on-site about parking validation or designated areas.

Before your visit, it’s wise to confirm current parking options and office hours directly with the church, since arrangements in Midtown can change.

What Kind of Church Is First Presbyterian?

First Presbyterian Church Atlanta is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), often shortened to PC(USA). For someone in Atlanta, this means:

• It follows a Reformed, Protestant Christian tradition.
• It uses an ordered structure of leadership, including pastors and elected elders.
• Worship often blends historic, liturgical elements (such as creeds, prayers, and readings) with accessible preaching and music.

You can typically expect:

• Scripture readings
• A sermon centered on biblical teaching
• Prayers, creeds, and congregational responses
• Music, often including choir, organ, and sometimes other instruments

For Atlantans looking for a church with traditional or blended worship in a historic setting, First Presbyterian often fits that profile.

Worship Services: What Atlanta Visitors and Residents Can Expect

Service times can shift slightly over the years, but most large Atlanta churches follow a consistent Sunday pattern. At First Presbyterian Church Atlanta, you may encounter:

Typical Sunday Experience

• Morning worship services (often one or two services in the morning)
• Sunday school or Christian education classes for adults and children, usually around the service times
• Nursery or childcare for young children during services

If you’re visiting from another Atlanta neighborhood or from out of town:

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to find parking, get oriented, and find a seat.
• Greeters or ushers commonly hand out printed bulletins explaining the order of worship.
• Dress ranges from business casual to traditional “Sunday best”; Midtown congregations are usually accustomed to a variety of styles.

Weekday and Special Services

Many Atlantans who work nearby or live in Midtown appreciate:

• Midweek gatherings or Bible studies
• Special services around Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter
• Occasional music events or concerts that make use of the sanctuary and organ

Because schedules evolve, a quick call to the church office can clarify seasonal service times and special events.

First Presbyterian’s Place in Atlanta’s History

For people who care about Atlanta’s heritage, First Presbyterian Church stands out as one of the city’s historically significant congregations.

Historical Roots

• The church dates back to the 19th century, with long-standing ties to the early development of Atlanta.
• Its building on Peachtree Street NE is part of Midtown’s recognizable streetscape, close to cultural institutions that many Atlantans frequent.

Architectural Interest

If you enjoy architecture or local history:

• The sanctuary typically features traditional church architecture, stained glass, and a layout designed for choral and organ music.
• The campus often reflects a blend of historic elements and modern additions, mirroring Midtown’s overall mix of old and new.

For Atlanta residents interested in historic walking tours or learning about church architecture, First Presbyterian is often listed among notable churches to see along Peachtree.

Ministries and Programs for Atlanta Residents

Like many established churches in Atlanta, First Presbyterian Church offers a range of programs beyond Sunday worship. These can be useful whether you are a long-term resident, a college student, or someone new to the city.

Spiritual Growth and Education

Common offerings include:

• Adult education classes: Bible study, theology, and topical series relevant to modern life in a city.
• Children’s and youth ministries: Sunday school, youth groups, and special events geared toward families in Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods and beyond.
• Small groups: Many Atlantans look for smaller settings to connect with others, often organized by age, interest, or life stage.

Music and Arts

Given its Midtown location near the High Museum and other cultural venues, First Presbyterian typically has an active music ministry, which may include:

• Chancel choir and children’s choirs
• Organ and instrumental music
• Seasonal concerts or special music services

These programs attract both church members and community members who value Atlanta’s arts scene.

Community Outreach and Service in Atlanta

First Presbyterian Church is part of a broader network of churches and nonprofits that address local needs in the city.

Common Areas of Involvement

While details vary by year, many Midtown churches, including First Presbyterian, often participate in:

• Homeless and housing outreach
• Food assistance initiatives
• Partnering with local schools, shelters, and community organizations
• Supporting refugee and immigrant communities, which are an important part of metro Atlanta’s population

If you are looking for ways to volunteer locally, First Presbyterian can be a starting point. Most churches of this size maintain:

• A missions or outreach office
• Periodic service days
• Ongoing partnerships with organizations across Atlanta

Weddings, Funerals, and Special Life Events

For Atlantans exploring venues for major life events, First Presbyterian Church often serves as a formal and recognizable location.

Weddings

People often consider First Presbyterian for weddings because of:

• Its historic sanctuary and Peachtree Street visibility
• Central location in Midtown, accessible from Buckhead, Downtown, and many intown neighborhoods

Typical expectations:

• Premarital counseling or meetings with clergy
• Scheduling with the church office well in advance
• Guidelines for music, decor, photography, and use of church spaces

Funerals and Memorials

The church also hosts funerals and memorial services for members and, in some cases, for non-members with ties to the church or community. If you live in Atlanta and need guidance during a loss, the pastoral care staff can often:

• Help plan a service
• Coordinate music and readings
• Offer ongoing spiritual support

Visiting First Presbyterian While Touring Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and would like to experience worship at a historic Midtown church, First Presbyterian is a straightforward stop:

• Plan to attend a Sunday service and then explore nearby attractions like the High Museum of Art, Arts Center, or a walk along Peachtree.
• Many visitors appreciate taking a few minutes before or after worship to take in the sanctuary, stained glass, and architectural details.
• If you’re unfamiliar with Presbyterian worship, you can follow along easily using the printed bulletin or by watching the congregation’s responses.

Quick Reference: First Presbyterian Church Atlanta Essentials

Here’s a simple overview of key points for Atlanta residents and visitors:

How to Connect or Get More Information Locally

If you live in Atlanta or are spending time here and want specifics such as current service times, event schedules, or ministry details, the most reliable next steps are:

• Call the church office during weekday business hours (typically a standard office number listed on their official materials).
• Visit in person during a Sunday service and speak with greeters, ushers, or welcome desk volunteers.
• Ask about visitor information, newcomer classes, or ways to get involved in serving Atlanta through the church.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, First Presbyterian Church offers a combination of historic presence, central location, and a full range of worship and community life that’s easy to access from across the metro area.