Our History
In the 1960s, the desire for change permeated the American air spurring on the Civil Rights Movement, with may dynamics rooted in Atlanta. The official Court decision which declared segregated schools as inherently unequal, opened the way for African American Christians to step forward in leadership in integrating worship. The All Black Presbyterian Synod responded by facilitating the establishment of a “non-segregated church in a non-segregated society.” In 1965, within this context Church of the Master was born.
Rev. Dr. James H. Costen had previously served as pastor in North Carolina, but was called to serve as the first pastor of Church of the master Presbyterian. The congregation was conceived and born as the first deliberate effort to establish an interracial congregation among Presbyterians in Atlanta.
Church of the Master is an African American congregation, with over 100 active and spirit filled men, women, youth and children. Through our worship and activities we are working toward fulfilling our calling in the world, and expanding God’s reign on earth.
Church of the Master is a connectional church and is part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A The Presbyterian Church U.S.A. consists of more than 10,000 churches with about 2 million members. These members represent a diversity of races, cultures, ages and backgrounds. The PC(U.S.A) is committed to worship, education, outreach and being faithful to God in the world.