Harris, Pierce, 1895-1971

Pierce Harris was born September 21, 1895 in Georgia. He attended both Reinhardt College and Emory University and served as a Methodist minister at congregations throughout North Georgia and in Jacksonville, Florida. He is perhaps best remembered in his capacity as minister of First Methodist Church in Atlanta (now known as Atlanta First United Methodist Church). He served there from 1940 to 1964, when he retired from the ministry.

Harris was called to First Methodist Church by Bishop Arthur Moore who wanted him to revitalize the church. Harris's folksy preaching style, together with the energetic music of associate pastor Harry "Army" Armstrong, helped attract new members; and by the time of Harris's retirement, the church's membership had climbed to an all-time high of 2,400.

After his retirement, Harris traveled throughout the nation speaking to churches, conferences, and college groups. Other accomplishments include his being a columnist for the Atlanta Journal for 23 years and his writing the book Spiritual Revolution (published in 1952).

Harris died of an apparent heart attack on January 14, 1971 while en route to Macon, Georgia, where he was to have addressed the Macon District Conference of the United Methodist Church.