History of

Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church

     In 1932 Rev. Arthur Baker began a mission in a storefront located on Grant Street here in Franklin. On April 9, 1935, this independent mission group became an organized United Brethren in Christ Church. The new church had fourteen founding members.

     In July of 1935 a lot was purchased at 158 Atlantic Avenue, The Polk Tabernacle was purchased and relocated to Atlantic Avenue. It was during the war years, the 1940’s, when Rev. H.G. Conrad was the pastor that the property at 160 Atlantic Avenue was purchased. Rev. Conrad oversaw the building of a new church building. When the new church was completed the old tabernacle was torn down.

     It was under the direction of Rev. Howard Snow in the late 1970’s when an addition was added to both the front and rear of the original building. During this time some major remodeling occurred throughout the remainder of the building as well.

     In April of 2009 the church began a major addition and renovation project that has completely transformed the campus. There is now a 350 seat sanctuary, a large lobby area with handicap assessable restrooms, and an office suite that can accommodate the entire staff. The lower level consists of a dedicated children’s wing, large handicap accessable restrooms, new adult Sunday School rooms, new Nursery rooms, and a large conference room.

    The Family Center was completed in 1999 under the leadership of Rev. Gary Small. The Family Center has a large commercial type kitchen area, gymnasium, a loft area, and classrooms in the basement. The Family Center has enabled the church to expand its ministry to the community greatly.

     The membership of the church has grown steadily since those first founding fourteen members. From 1986 to 1991 during the tenure of Rev. David Flick a spirit of revival broke out and the attendance doubled from 80 to 160. Over the next 20 years, under the leadership of Rev. Gary Small, the attendance has grown from that 160 to just under 500 in weekly attendance. Praise God!

     Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church is a member church of the United Brethren In Christ, USA. For more information go to their website at ub.org.