Brief Church History

   The Dodd church was originally organized with sixty-five members in 1892 and was known as The South Atlanta Mission Methodist Church. The church was located on Melton Avenue. S.E., and its first pastor was the Rev. T.R. McCarty. The South Atlanta Mission Church had to be relocated and a Mr. Green Dodd, a loyal Methodist, offered to donate the land for the new location if the church was named in memory of his daughter, Nellie Dodd. The church was renamed Nellie Dodd Memorial Methodist and located at 1054 Washington Street. S. W. in 1895.

After many years and various changes, the former Nellie Dodd Church building was sold in May, 1962, and ground was broken for a new building on November 25, 1962. On Sunday, May 5, 1963, the congregation of Dodd Memorial Methodist Church began worship services in the newly completed building at 3272 Browns Mill Road, S.E.

Sterling Chapel was originally organized and held worship services under the trees in a field (farm yard). Sterling Chapel, under the leadership of the Rev. T. Sterling was founded and a building later constructed 1887. Some of the original trustees of the church included Cornelius McDaniel, Pierce Mickson, Thomas Andrew, and Joshua Stanfield The location of the church building was on Dixie Highway, now known as Crown Road at the corner of Browns Mill Road.

In 1932, the church building was destroyed by a storm. A smaller church structure was built. The Rev. Quincy Newman was pastor. In 1936, that location was rezoned for a business district and one quarter of an acre of land was given to the church for a new location on Ross Street in Plunket Town in Atlanta.

With the expansion of the Atlanta Airport came the need for urban renewal's purchase of all property in Plunket Town which included Sterling Chapel. Discussion was begun with the North Georgia Conference officials with regard to a possible merger with an existing Methodist church in the area. The ending result was the merger of Nellie Dodd Memorial and Sterling Chapel in July of 1977.

The church became known as the Dodd-Sterling United Methodist Church. During the first year of merger (1977-78), Rev. Bright and Rev. C.S. Stinson served as Co-Pastor. The following persons have served as pastor. Rev. Anderson C. Epps, III (1978-81), Rev. James F. Shumake (1981-83), Rev. Martha Randall (1983-85), Rev. Marcus Dixon (1985-87), and Rev. Robert Melson (1987-present).

Dodd-Sterling has become a church known for its remarkable Outreach Ministries. The family continues to receive nurturing support through the After School Program, Summer Camp, Food Bank, Youth Basketball Program, Professional Providers Association of Atlanta, Steve Gibson Computer Lab, Resource Mothers Program, and Habitat for Humanity Partnership with St. Luke's Presbyterian Church.

In 1999, Dodd-Sterling's sanctuary was completely renovated. Due to roof structural damage, the entire top of the building had to be removed and replaced As well, pews were padded, new carpeting, electrical work, chandeliers, enlargement of choir area, and pulpit area were redesigned. In August 1999, a Consecration Celebration was held to commemorate this new beginning.

Today, we are preparing for a bright future. God's hand is upon us and we look to Him for continued strength and guidance.