A New Pastor For A Historic Stone Mountain Church

Rev. Dr. Cynthia JacksonPhoto byStone Mountain First United Methodist Church

Stone Mountain, Ga.--Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church, popularly known as “The Village Church,” has been in existence for over 150 years and now has a young, energetic and highly qualified new pastor, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Jackson. The announcement of this appointment was made by Pat Sabatelle, an authorized spokesperson for the church.

“Church congregations around the country have experienced a significant decline in attendance as a result of COVID,” Ms. Sabatelle observed, adding that “we’ve asked ourselves what can we do to bring people, especially young adults back into worshiping with other Christians. One way to inspire young adults is to have a church leader who can relate to their everyday lives and needs and our Village Church is doing just that!”

Ms. Sabatelle shared Dr. Jackson’s background. “Cynthia, as she likes to be called, is no stranger to Georgia,” revealing that she is a native of Athens, a University of Georgia graduate with a background that includes law enforcement service with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Emory University Police Department and the UGA police department.

Dr. Jackson also attended seminary at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and earned her doctorate from the Divinity School at Duke University.

An elder in full connection serving in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Dr. Jackson’s ministerial positions have included Conyers First United Methodist Church, Ben Hill United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville.

“We are rebuilding,” said Ms. Sabatelle. “Cynthia is already getting to know our current church members, and says she wants to build relationships with our Stone Mountain community, schools, businesses and other churches. We are excited about her fresh approach.”

The Village Church is located at 5312 West Mountain Street one block from Main Street in Stone Mountain Village and is a prominent historic landmark recognizable for its architectural design and construction featuring Stone Mountain granite. The church welcomes visitors. Sunday Services are at 11:00 a.m., and other information is available on the church website, www.stonemountainfirst.org .