Cliftondale United Methodist Church is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, with the commitment of “Investing in the Future”, by making Disciples of Jesus Christ today, for the transformation of the world.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY CLIFTONDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
In 1964 the North Georgia Conference purchased a seven (7) acre tract of land located at 4095 Stonewall Tell Road from Mr. Howard Hogan, part of the old Cook home. John Brinsfield, a pre-seminary student at Emory University was selected to provide leadership in ascertaining the viability of starting a Methodist Church in this community. Twelve (12) persons met with him in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Neal Hainlin for the purpose of organizing a new church.
The first worship service was held at the Community Clubhouse at 8:30 a.m. on June 14, 1964. A cross-raising was held on Saturday, August 29, 1964, and on Sunday, August 30th, the Reverend Joseph L. Black, Superintendent of the Atlanta Southwest District, formally organized the Cliftondale Methodist Church. This was the first Quarterly Conference for the new congregation with the fifteen (15) chartered members in attendance.
Rev. Richard Cathy was the first appointed full-time pastor to serve Cliftondale in 1965. In 1966 a metal building was constructed (the current fellowship hall). The first service was held June 5, 1966 (the church had 77 members).
In April 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren. The church became formally known as Cliftondale United Methodist Church.
June 13, 1971 the Charge Conference approved plans to build the current sanctuary and classroom building. The first service was held April 9, 1972. Neal Hainlin made the cross and pulpit, lectern and communion table for the original building. The altar was also constructed by other church members.
On June 27, 2004, the Red Oak United Methodist Church located on Roosevelt Highway merged with the Cliftondale United Methodist Church. Reverend Karen Lyons was appointed pastor of the merged congregations. Reverend Lyons was the first African American female pastor of the Church, who served over eight years. She would be joined by Rev. Dr. Walter L. Kimbrough, retired as Pastor in Residence. They oversaw tremendous growth and revitalization of the congregation. During their tenure the house and property next door was purchased. The Fellowship Hall was completely renovated. However, in 2014 the Fellowship Hall would again have to be renovated and repaired due to damage from frozen water lines.
Cliftondale Church would be served by three other Pastors: Reverend Dr. Carol Helton (2013-15); Reverend Dr. Kevin Murriel (2015-17); Reverend Gigi Warren (2017-18).
The sanctuary was completely renovated and modernized in 2016-17. This project included increasing our seating compacity from 200 to just over 300; updated A/V and IT equipment; tv monitors placed in the lower classrooms for streaming web content and programs from the sanctuary. The Pastor’s office was moved to the old conference room. The Church adopted a new Master Development Plan.
Reverend Dr. Walter L. Kimbrough would return as Senior Pastor in 2018. The congregation continued to grow under his leadership. Ten of fourteen youth would be confirmed and began their service to the Church and congregation.
The year twenty-twenty (2020) would be a real challenge for Cliftondale as it would mark the beginning of a world pandemic. The Covid-19 virus; a deadly virus would kill more than 190,000 people in the US, and millions world-wide. Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson would recommend closure of all churches in the conference. Cliftondale established its first virtual worship under the leadership of Reverend Doctor Walter Kimbrough through webinars in April to reach the congregation. Church council and ministries would meet virtually using Zoom and free conference call mediums. In June Reverend Kimbrough would retire from active full-time pastoring.
Reverend Doctor Theophilus J. Stanford would be appointed lead pastor in July. All church meetings including Worship, Bible Study and Sunday School would be virtual. Live streaming and posting to social media would be the new normal.