Tattnall Square Center for the Arts

The historic church that has stood sentry for more than 100 years at the corner of Macon’s College and Oglethorpe Streets, has experienced a renaissance to become Tattnall Square Center for the Arts.

In 1890, Rev. S. L. Morris, a local pastor, traveled to lumberyards in Macon and surrounding cities to secure materials to build a permanent house of worship for his congregation, often paying for the lumber by preaching. During the construction of the facility that is now Tattnall Square Center for the Arts, the congregation worshipped in the Mercer University Chapel. In May 1891, the sanctuary at 1096 College Street was dedicated. Originally called Second Presbyterian, the name Tattnall Square Presbyterian Church was first used in 1893. The church property, in the heart of the College Hill Corridor, was given to Mercer University in 2010 by Flint River Presbytery.

The University renovated the church and renamed it Tattnall Square Center for the Arts, which houses its theatre program and hosts community arts events. A circle which began – and now ends – with Mercer University has been completed.

The Center serves as a community theatre and arts venue, as well as home to the University’s Theatre Department. Pews, carpet, and remnants of a 1960s remodel have been removed to make way for a new multi-purpose arts space. Sunday School classrooms have been transformed into teaching studios, a scenic shop with a two-story loft, costume shop and storage, and faculty offices. The Center accommodates visual and performing arts, lectures, film screenings, and workshops hosted by community arts organizations.