The Church at Ponce & Highland is a place to get in touch with Atlanta’s roots while embracing its future. In 2015, we marked our transformation by changing our name from Druid Hills Baptist Church to the Church at Ponce & Highland.
Established in 1914, the Church at Ponce & Highland was from the beginning oriented toward innovation and growth. We enjoyed many firsts among Baptist churches in the south, including the first Vacation Bible School, the first church day camp and the first co-ed adult class. In mid-century, we were led by Pastor Louie Newton, one of the most famous moderate Baptist pastors in the south.
In 1928, the church inaugurated our beaux-arts style building, designed by architect Edward Emmett Dougherty. The church sanctuary is strikingly beautiful and is often rented for wedding services. It has also served as the site of choral concerts including the Atlanta Boy Choir, Coro Vocati, and the Meridian Choral. In 2009, the building underwent a renovation to develop the acoustic and worshipful qualities of the sanctuary and adapt the building grounds for the next century. Today, we are one of the last Baptist churches in downtown Atlanta.
The Church at Ponce & Highland combines a century of history with cutting-edge theology. We have changed and evolved through the decades. Yet we remain committed to our diverse neighborhood, and to following Christ in a changing world. Today, we are a growing church, open to all, that connects Atlanta’s past and future – come join us!
“I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
– Isaiah 43:19