About Us

Who We Are

The Interfaith Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is under the supervision of The Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy, Inc., (501-c-3) non-profit organization, created by the religious community of Atlanta. We are sustained by donations and grants from Foundation Sponsors and individual donations.

How We Help

The Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy (IAC) provides a multifaceted ministry in the world's busiest airport. The Atrium chapel provides a sanctuary for passengers, visitors, airport employees, and airline employees of all faiths for prayer and meditation. Our chaplains minister to a "congregation" that numbers over 85 million people per year, providing both spiritual and physical assistance.

The ministry of the IAC includes:

  • Traveling passengers
  • Airline personnel
  • Airport personnel
  • Stranded travelers
  • Military
  • Runaway teens
  • Homeless
  • Hungry
  • Children
  • Abused women

The IAC provides:

  • Prayer
  • Counseling
  • Meal assistance
  • Travel assistance
  • Phone communication
  • Military Honor Guard Escort
  • Temporary emergency housing
  • E-mail & internet communication
  • Business traveler emergency assistance
  • Medical crisis assistance
  • Death crisis assistance
  • Emergency disaster response

 

History

Prior to the opening of the current terminal in 1980, a chapel room in the old terminal was closed because no chaplain was available to oversee such a program. Though the present terminal originally included no plans for a chapel. E. S. "Happy" Hogg received endorsement from Mayor Maynard Jackson, in 1970, to pursue the idea. In 1972 a Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta further developed a model.

In the spring of 1980, the Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy was incorporated under Georgia law with the initial Board of Directors: Dr. Don Newby (Christian Council), Rabbi Mark Wilson (Temple Shearith Israel), and Rev. John Druding (St. John's Catholic Church).

In December 1981, Dr. Charles Shirley became the Organizing Chaplain and the first chapel in the current terminal was dedicated. Dr. R. D. Spear Jr. assumed the position of Chaplain Director in April, 1992 upon the retirement of Dr. Shirley. Following the retirement of Dr. Spear, Rev. Dr. Chester R. Cook assumed the position of Senior Chaplain/Executive Director in 2002.