fsp history

Our Heritage…the Historical Overview

“And these three remain: faith, hope, and love; But the greatest of these is love” I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Saint Peter AME Church was organized in the home of the Nelson family in February 1913. From its organization in the Nelson’s home to a basement, located on Alexander Street, in the northwest section of the city, the humble beginning of this great church has been a source of inspiration and a spiritual beacon.

The first church home was purchased and located on Cain Street in northeast Atlanta, near downtown, during the period of 1944-55. The congregation grew and worshipped there until the second worship facility, located at 637 Highland Avenue, also in northeast Atlanta, was built in 1955.

During the City of Atlanta’s Urban Renewal Project, the facility was moved back to accommodate the city’s effort. At that time, the church was renamed “Greater Saint Peter AME Church.” The church remained in this location until October 1998.

In October 1998, the church underwent a transformation. From this point until May 1999, a portion of this congregation was known as the Concerned Members of Faith. Reverend R. D. Powell, III served as the interim Pastor, at the request of Reverend Dr. Earle H. Ifill, Presiding Elder – Atlanta East District, until the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference convened.

On May 6, 1999, First Saint Peter AME Church was organized into a new congregation, under the auspices of the Connectional African Methodist Episcopal Church; and being led by the Holy Spirit, on May 28, 1999, Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming, appointed God’s humble and faithful servant, Reverend Alexis Brookins, I, as Pastor of this congregation. Reverend Brookins retired in 2015 after 16 years of service and he still serves as Pastor Emeritus. Upon Reverend Brookins ’retirement, Presiding Elder Reverend Dr. Earle H. Ifill, pastored the church until June 2016, when Reverend Nathaniel Brown was appointed and served for one conference year. Reverend Marcus Green became pastor in May 2017 and served until November 2021.

January 2022 marks the historic appointment of Reverend Tracey P. Fletcher as the fourth pastor and the first female Pastor of First Saint Peter. Currently there are one hundred, forty-three (143) members of this congregation, including children, of which 48 of the original hundred, twenty-seven (127) charter members are still active and supporting. Some have united with other congregations and others have since transitioned to be with the Lord.

From the former brandings including “The New Beginning,” “The Church Where Love Abides,” “The Church That Heals and Empowers,” First Saint Peter, where “It’s All About Love” continues to serve the Lord in Spirit and in Truth