Immaculate Conception Church
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.
GHM 060-198 GEORGIA HISTORIC MARKER 1981
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.