First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta

51

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta

The First Church of Christ, Scientist is the main congregation for Atlanta's Christian Science community, whose service is quite different from that of other Christian communities. Opened in 1914, the church's historic Greek Revival edifice is located on the corner of 15th Street, N.E. and Peachtree Street, and is a contributing property in the Ansley Park Historic District.

This building's prominence is evident from its monumental, elevated, and symmetric exterior that has a formal and ancient appearance. The interior is just as impressive but somewhat reserved and uncanny due to its soaring symmetric design. Known as the "auditorium" rather than the "sanctuary," it is not suitable for weddings or funerals. Despite its Beaux Arts style, it is a house of worship.

Aside from its architectural significance, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, claims to be city's first air-conditioned building, having used a primitive system with fans blowing over blocks of ice placed in passages beneath the auditorium's floor.

The porch is a unique spot, designed to inspire visitors. The view from the narthex, looking south through the open doors, is breathtaking. The panoramic view from the portico, located just north of Colony Square, across from the High Museum, at the most impressive entrance to Ansley Park, is unparalleled in Atlanta. It is definitely worth ascending the stairs if you are in the vicinity.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Atlanta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51 App

First Church of Christ, Scientist on Map

Sight Name: First Church of Christ, Scientist
Sight Location: Atlanta, USA (See walking tours in Atlanta)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Atlanta, Georgia

Create Your Own Walk in Atlanta

Create Your Own Walk in Atlanta

Creating your own self-guided walk in Atlanta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
"Gone with the Wind" Walking Tour

"Gone with the Wind" Walking Tour

Atlanta does “give a damn” about Gone With The Wind. There is a number of museums and sites in the city that commemorate one of America's all-time classic stories. Although released as far back as the 1930s, both Margaret Mitchell's award-winning novel and the film that followed shortly still inspire curiosity about and are equally celebrated in Atlanta.

The first port of call for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Martin Luther King Walking Tour

Martin Luther King Walking Tour

Martin Luther King Junior holds a special place in the hearts of many, and his legacy is deeply intertwined with Atlanta, Georgia. The most recognized spokesperson and leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s and '60s, he was a Baptist Minister who used non-violent and civil disobedience tactics to advance the civil rights cause.

Though Doctor King had his share of critics,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour

Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour

A commercial core of Atlanta, Midtown is also a residential neighborhood, anchored by a series of high-rising office buildings, condominiums, and hotels. The exact geographical extent of the district is uncertain due to the varied definitions applied by people, authorities and businesses involved. Although its boundaries have never been clearly defined, Midtown Atlanta basically comprises the area...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Atlanta Downtown Walk

Atlanta Downtown Walk

The capital of the U.S. state of Georgia was founded in the mid 1830s, some decade after the first Europeans settled in the area, as the terminus of a major national railroad that provided link between the port of Savannah and the Midwest.

Quite fittingly, the settlement was first known as Terminus, and then Thrasherville. When asked, in 1837, about its future, the railroad's chief...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is a sprawling urban oasis, covering approximately 21 acres. It was created as a central gathering place for the Centennial Summer Olympic Games held in Georgia in 1996. In the years following the Games, the area witnessed commercial development resulting in a variety of attractions and amenities suitable for visitors of all ages.

One of the notable sites...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles