Cliftondale UMC

Church History On October 29, 1970, a total of 23 Christian friends met at the home of the Reverend James and Mrs. Nancy Green with the idea of establishing a new baptist church in Southwest Atlanta. On the first Sunday in November of that year the Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church held its first worship service. Reverend Green served as pastor and there were more than 100 people in attendance. Services were held at 3462 Delmar Lane. Twenty-nine new people joined the church that day and 40 young people attended Sunday School. It was a glorious start. On February 1, 1973, we the church started a Bond Program with the intent to relocate to a permanent structure. Over $100, 000 in bonds were sold and we went forward on our commitment to purchase the church building located at 2540 Campbellton Road SW. This was the place we would call home. Eighteen years after purchasing the building with faith and determination, under Rev. Green's leadership, on Sunday, February 24, 1991, we celebrated and gave God the glory as we participated in a "Burning of the Mortgage and the Laying of the Cornerstone Ceremony." For 21 years Reverend James L. Green served as Under Shepherd. He was a loving and devoted pastor, showing love and concern for all members and friends. Following the retirement of Rev. Green, the church elected one of it's sons, the Rev. Nathaniel Smiley as it's new Pastor. His focus on education and the youth helped to maintain the family structure and harmony of Greater New Light. Rev. Smiley continued the caring and progressive leadership of his predecessor and faithfully served as "under shepherd" for 10 years from August 30, 1992 until November 3, 2002. Rev. Smiley was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Leland L. Jones, Sr. who began his time as pastor on July 6, 2003. Dr. Jones continued with the growth and the development of Greater New Light until his untimely departure and subsequent deployment with the United States Army. Moving forward, the church elected the Rev. W. Ron Sailor, Jr. as pastor. Multi-talented and as a skilled pulpiteer, he continued with the established work of God's church for God's people.