To spot the First Church of Christ, Scientist, look for the grand Greek Revival building on the corner with towering white columns, an elegant cream facade, and a majestic dome perched above the entrance.
Now, let’s imagine ourselves in Atlanta more than a century ago-horses trotting down Peachtree Street, ladies in wide hats fluttering their fans, and a mysterious new faith sweeping into town, all thanks to Julia S. Bartlett, who arrived with a story so dramatic it could have been in the Sunday paper. They say she healed local resident Sue Harper Mims after fifteen years of illness-and, like a game of spiritual dominoes, that miracle launched Atlanta’s Christian Science community! Sue became so passionate she started meetings in her own living room. As word spread and more people brought curiosity (and a few aches and pains), the congregation first found a home at 17 West Baker Street before this very building opened in 1914.
What’s even more astonishing? The congregation’s own architect, Arthur Neal Robinson, designed their new church-and being a true innovator, he made this the first air-conditioned building in Atlanta! Picture those hot Georgia summers, fans blowing over giant blocks of ice under the floor, everyone cooling off as they worshipped under this extraordinary dome. You can almost feel the relief-and maybe just a hint of ice-cold mystery-right here on this corner, where faith, architecture, and a splash of old-fashioned ingenuity met!
