09/24/2026
Atlanta Christian Church: A Legacy in the Word Since 1855
For more than a year, I have been working behind the scenes on a special project to preserve an important part of Atlanta Christian Church’s heritage—a new display entitled “Atlanta Christian Church: A Legacy in the Word Since 1855.”
The approximately 15-foot display focuses specifically on the 49 preaching ministers who have served ACC from 1855 to the present, incorporating Scripture along with portraits of each minister and the dates they served our congregation.
Much of the past year has been spent researching old newspapers and archives, contacting libraries, historical organizations, churches across the country, and even descendants of former ministers. Through that work, photographs and information have been uncovered that had long been missing from our church archives, allowing us to preserve a more complete record of those who have stood in ACC’s pulpit through the generations.
But the purpose of this display is about much more than names, dates, and photographs.It is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
For more than 170 years, different men have been called to preach God’s Word to this congregation. Their backgrounds, personalities, ministries, and lengths of service varied greatly, but each became part of a continuing legacy of proclaiming the Gospel at Atlanta Christian Church. Ministers have come and gone, generations have come and gone, but God and His Word have remained constant.
My hope is that this display will remind us that we are part of a legacy that began long before us and, Lord willing, will continue long after us. These 49 men represent generations of ministry, but ultimately the story the wall tells is not about them—it is about the God they served and the Word they were called to proclaim.
The display is now complete and will be ready for you to see the next time you are at the church building. It is located in the hallway between the education wing and the Gate balcony. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to walk through the timeline, look at the faces and names of those who have served ACC from its earliest days to the present, and reflect on God’s faithfulness through 170+ years of ministry.
A special “thank you” to Connie Wertheim for her helpful history book, which provided an invaluable foundation for this project, and to Mike & Jacki Pavlik for their help in mounting the display.
May it serve for years to come as a reminder of our heritage, the enduring importance of proclaiming God’s Word, and above all, the faithfulness of God.
— Nathan
