Bishop Hiram O'Neal
Founding pastor whose vision in 1944 established a spiritual home for Atlanta's African American community — teaching scripture, healing, and prophetic ministry.
Our Full History
Serving Atlanta since 1944 — from the founders to present-day ministry in Historic Sweet Auburn.
Our History
Eight decades of faith, service, and Sweet Auburn heritage.
Founded in 1944 by Bishop Hiram O'Neal and Evangelist Pauline O'Neal, National Divine Spiritual Church has stood as a place of worship, education, healing, and refuge — from the civil rights era to the present day.
- 1944Founded
Bishop Hiram O'Neal and Evangelist Pauline O'Neal establish National Divine Spiritual Church in Atlanta.
National Divine Spiritual Church — Historic Church BuildingA historic photograph preserving the early legacy of National Divine Spiritual Church in Atlanta. - FoundersBishop Hiram O'Neal & Evangelist Pauline O'Neal
The founding pastor and co-founder built a spiritual home for Atlanta's African American community — teaching scripture, healing, prophecy, and service to neighbors.
Bishop Hiram O'Neal & Evangelist Pauline O'Neal - Sweet AuburnHistoric Legacy
The church takes root at 18 Jackson St NE in the Historic Sweet Auburn District — a center of Atlanta's African American faith, culture, and civil rights heritage.
18 Jackson St NE, Sweet Auburn - 1986Rev. Bobby Lee Graham Sr. Becomes Pastor
In December 1986, Rev. Bobby Lee Graham Sr. became pastor of National Divine Spiritual Church, leading 43 years of ministry marked by employment placement, feeding the hungry, and unwavering care for young and old alike.
Rev. Bobby Lee Graham Sr. - GrowthMinistry Expansion
Worship, spiritual education, healing services, and the Divine Helping Hands Project expand the church's reach across generations.
Congregation, Outreach & Ministry LifeFaith, fellowship, worship, and community service across generations at National Divine Spiritual Church. - TodayPresent-Day Leadership
Under Bishop Bobby Lee Graham Jr., the third-generation pastor, the church continues teaching, serving, and uplifting the Sweet Auburn community.
Bishop Bobby Lee Graham Jr. and Present-Day Ministry
Evangelist Pauline O'Neal
Co-founder, evangelist, and beloved spiritual mother. Her ministry shaped generations of worshippers and laid the foundation for the church's outreach legacy.
Sweet Auburn & Civil Rights
Rooted in the cradle of the civil rights movement, the church supported the community through marches, mourning, and the long work of justice — and continues today through the Divine Helping Hands Project.