Asa Griggs Candler

December 30, 1851 – March 12, 1929

Coca-Cola Founder & Methodist Philanthropist

Built Coca-Cola — poured his wealth into Emory and the church

Biography

American businessman who purchased the Coca-Cola formula and built it into a global brand. Served as mayor of Atlanta and became one of the wealthiest men in the South.

Faith & Testimony

Candler was a devout Methodist who donated massive amounts to Emory University, essentially funding its move to Atlanta and establishing it as a major research university. He taught Sunday school, funded church building projects across the South, and saw his wealth as a stewardship from God.

Sources

Candler — Wikipedia — Coca-Cola founder and Emory benefactor
Asa Griggs Candler: Coca-Cola, Methodism, and Emory University — Emory University article on how Candler's deep Methodist faith led him to donate $1 million (equivalent to ~$30 million today) to found Emory University
Asa Griggs Candler by Charles Howard Candler — Biography by his son documenting Candler's lifelong Methodist devotion, his Sunday school teaching, and his philanthropy to Methodist causes