Emmanuel's Church History
On August 11, 1991 Reverend and Mrs. Frederick A. Williamson called a meeting in their home for the purpose of organizing a new society in what was then known as the 7th Episcopal district which included the Georgia/South Georgia Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Twelve people were in attendance; eleven became charter members giving birth to Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. At the time Emmanuel was just the fourth AME Zion Church to be organized in the metro Atlanta area in over 100 years (Decatur AME Zion being the second and New Life AME the third).
September 8, 1991 was a great day. Emmanuel held its first service at the Holiday Inn, in downtown Decatur. For several months this was our temporary home of worship. The Holy Spirit led this budding congregation through many trials and tribulations- to various locations- some of which included Fountain Memorial AME Church, Stone Mountain Day Care Center, Paschal's Restaurant, and the homes of Mr.& Mrs. Strother and Reverend and Mrs. Williamson.
During our nomadic sojourn, the organizational structure of the church began to take shape. The first officers of the Trustee Board were Joseph Strother, Chair; Connie F. Moss, treasurer; Virgil Johnson, secretary; and Lula B. Jewell, trustee. Corrine Strother served as the first class leader, George Edwards, preacher steward, and Rose L. Johnson as the senior usher - along with Christina Monroe representing the Junior Department. Stephen Strother and Rose Mary Williamson completed this list of charter members.
Emmanuel Church was admitted into the AME Zion connection at the annual conference of November 1991 under the leadership of the Right Reverend Cecil Bishop who was serving as the presiding prelate over the seventh Episcopal area and Reverend John Wesley Smith was the Presiding Elder of the Atlanta/Summerville District.
Bishop George E. Battle was assigned to this area in July 1992 and immediately became aware of our plight. It was Brother Joseph Strother who brought it to our attention that the Stone Mountain Advent Christian Church was up for sale; and after some negotiation; the parties agreed to a lease contact of $400 per month and a selling price of $475,000. Through the mighty works of God, this small membership of 15 raised $38,000 in one year. This act of faith convinced Bishop Battle of our commitment – but it still took three more years to secure a loan. These years proved to be challenging – members came and many more left but they were also years of dedication and commitment. It was wonderful to have the prayer and financial support from friends and strangers across the connection.
The hand of Almighty God continued to lead us from one degree of grace to another, and from struggle to triumph; and on Sunday, August 20, 1995 Bishop Battle dedicated this church, parsonage and gymnasium to the glory of God.
Ministries have been added, people have come while others have relocated and a few have been called from labor to reward; but all have played a significant and vital role in making this church God’s house. The historical record of this holy place would not be complete if we did not include and give honor to the late Bishop J. Clinton Hoggard for it was he who articulated and argued our case to obtain financial support from the Board of Bishops.
During Emmanuel’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations, Dekalb County and the City of Stone Mountain proclaimed September 18th, 2011 Emmanuel AME Zion Church Day.
Six Bishops have served as our Episcopal leaders – they are: Bishop Cecil Bishop, Bishop George Battle, Bishop Joseph Johnson, Bishop Clarence Carr, Bishop Kenneth Monroe and currently we have been blessed mightily to have Bishop Mildred B. Hines to serve in this area. Our Presiding Elder is Rev. Dr. John Paul Ruth.
Rev. Frederick Williamson retired on October 13, 2018 and Rev. Garrett Williamson was appointed Pastor of Emmanuel AME Zion Church on October 14, 2018.
Let us thank God for the past and look forward to the future, for there is still much work to be done. The pastor and these people have strived to be true to our mission which states that we are to create a climate where sinners can be saved, backsliders reclaimed and the saints strengthened.
