Rock Spring was named for the sparkling stream of water that flowed from the rocks across Piedmont Road from where the church now stands. The Church was first formed in a school house, November 13, 1870. In 1871, the founding 27 members built a white frame church on the present site.

The current sanctuary was completed in 1923. Designed by a Welsh Architect, Charles H. Hopson, it is modeled after a typical Anglican chapel. The sanctuary was expanded in 1953 and additions were made to the education wing in 1955 and 1963. Both the church and the manse (pastor's residence next door) were place on the National Registry of Historic Buildings in 1989.

Among other Ministries to the community, the church organized the second chapter of Girl Scouts of America.

The Sanctuary

Our sanctuary is designed to cultivate a true sense of "sanctuary" -- a place to step out of the cares and distractions of the world and into the quietness and nurture of God's presence; to step out of the stresses of contemporary life, and into a place of peace.

The worship experience in our sanctuary is accentuated by the stained glass windows. Our beautiful sanctuary is a popular setting for weddings.

About Church Renovation

Our extraordinary gift to the next generation

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church was founded on the land where it currently resides in 1870. The sanctuary that is currently in use was finished in 1923. Several years ago it became apparent that many of the original sections of Rock Spring had to be strengthened, repaired, and upgraded in order for the church to continue its mission of worship and service in the Presbyterian tradition.

After extensive planning, the renovation began in December of 2003. Some major components include a new sprinkler system throughout the main building, a new heating and cooling system, a new elevator from the bottom floor to the sanctuary that can accommodate those with disabilities as well as a full-size casket, a complete rebuilding of the church offices, a wonderful new courtyard, and renovation of the facilities used by our Kids Day Out Program. The total cost of the renovation was approximately $1.6 million.

Entering a place of peace and worship

A new side entrance has been incorporated into the renovation in order to improve the flow of traffic through the building as well as ease accessibility to those with disabilities or who have difficulty climbing stairs. Above is a picture from the new side entrance into the reception area. The new offices are to the right and a sitting/gathering area is to the left.

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as such, extensive planning and coordination was done in order to ensure that the renovated sections of the building were consistent with the Anglican-inspired architecture of the rest of the church.

The view down the new hallway

The picture on the right shows a view down the new hallway that has been built below the sanctuary and along the interior wall of the church. The stairs at the far end lead up to the sanctuary. On the left is a new doorway leading out into the courtyard. The courtyard has been completely redone to be a place that brings to mind rock springs and gardens - a place for prayer and contemplation. The doors to the right lead into the new meeting room and the new choir room. Both have been designed to be comfortable and useful, with plenty of storage space and other details appropriate for their use.

A place to gather and learn

The picture on the left is of the new meeting room. It is spacious and an excellent environment for a Sunday school class or an informal gathering.

Every part of the church is now protected by a sprinkler system. Improving access and safety to all who use the church was an important part of the renovation.

An inspiring climb to the sanctuary

The picture on the right is at the top of the new stairwell just after leaving the sanctuary. It is truly an inspiring spot within the church.

This also offers a good view of the hanging lights. The sconces that light the renovated areas are of the same design. They create an atmosphere of tranquility while also being very functional

Entering the sanctuary from the education wing

Another of the main purposes of the renovation was to completely redo the Restrooms in the main building, both upstairs and downstairs. The entrances to the new upstairs Restrooms are on the right hand side of the picture. With help from the KDO parents, the bathrooms for KDO have also been remodeled including lively tiles of frogs, ladybugs and the like.

The entrance to the new history room can be seen in the left-hand side of the picture. Rock Spring has a long and proud history and much of it will be on display here for all to see and enjoy.

The sanctuary is more inspiring and peaceful than ever

The sanctuary required quite a bit of renovation as well. All the pews were removed and the floors were repaired and redone. The walls were also repainted and the heating and cooling system completely reworked. It is now more beautiful than ever and comfortable in both winter and summer.

The total cost of this renovation was over $1.6 million. Most of it has already been paid, but we still need help. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to the church office, addressed as shown below. Every contribution is important!

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church
Attn: Extraordinary Gifts Capital Campaign
1824 Piedmont Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30324