Plaque Text for Georgia Landmark #60-198:
First Catholic Church in the Atlanta area and the oldest complete building standing in downtown Atlanta.
The church was established in 1848. The first building, a frame structure, was erected here in 1851. Father Thomas O’Reilly, its pastor, successfully appealed to Union General H.W. Slocum in 1864 to spare his church and the neighborhood. Thus, the church, four other churches, and the City Hall-Court House were saved from destruction when Atlanta was burned. Cornerstone of this structure laid in 1869. Completed and dedicated in 1873. Designated a Shrine in 1954.
More about the Immaculate Conception Church:
Putting it more clearly, it was this building’s predecessor that was spared from the destruction of Atlanta in 1864! The old wood-frame church was removed from this site, and the current building, designed by William H. Parkins in Gothic Revival Style, went up between 1869 and 1873!
Ever wondered how a church becomes a shrine? To be a shrine, a church must be designated by a local bishop and serve as a pilgrimage destination, like the National Shrine of Elizabeth Anne Seton. Well, Archbishop Gerald O’Hara made that declaration in 1954 based on the church’s historic devotion to Mary! Another neat fact is that the church got its name from its reproduction painting of Immaculate Conception by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, which hung behind the altar in the church’s original incarnation!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Georgia Historical Society!
- Donate to the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
48 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Masses are held every Sunday at 11:00 AM!