In the heart of Atlanta’s historic Summerhill neighborhood, Martin Street Church of God stands as a beacon of faith, service, and transformation. With roots dating back to 1888, the church has been a cornerstone of the community for well over a century—offering not only spiritual guidance but also a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its neighbors.

Today, this legacy of service continues through the church’s partnership with The Chad Livsey Project (CLP)—an environmental nonprofit dedicated to community beautification and sustainability. Each month, Martin Street Church of God generously provides donations and supplies to support CLP’s litter cleanup initiatives in Atlanta, helping to maintain the beauty, safety, and vibrancy of the Summerhill neighborhood and beyond.

A Rich History of Faith and Community Impact
Martin Street Church of God began humbly in 1888 as a holiness band founded by Sisters Mary Fambro and Lena Cooper. What started as gatherings in homes, on streets, and under tents soon blossomed into a congregation that outgrew its spaces. In 1890, the church received a donated house at 452 Martin Street, which was converted into a sanctuary with seating for 163 people. For over 100 years, that building served as a place of worship and a pillar in the community.

In 1995, the church moved into a larger sanctuary at 148 Glenwood Avenue SE, which now accommodates more than 1,000 congregants. The original pews from the Martin Street location were preserved and installed in the balcony of the new building, honoring the church’s deep respect for its history and the generations who laid the foundation for its growth.

Today, Martin Street Church of God continues to thrive under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Grier, a native of Atlanta’s Mechanicsville community. Pastor Grier, who began his journey as a Sunday School teacher in 1979, became the church’s Senior Pastor in 2010. His vision is clear: to evangelize, embrace, equip, and empower the congregation to live out their faith and serve their community in tangible ways.

A Shared Vision for a Cleaner, Safer, and Stronger Community
The partnership between Martin Street Church of God and The Chad Livsey Project is a shining example of what’s possible when faith and action come together. Since the inception of the partnership, the church has provided monthly donations of cleaning supplies, refreshments, and financial support to ensure CLP’s cleanups have the resources needed to make a lasting impact.

These cleanups, often held in Summerhill, are not just about removing litter—they’re about restoring pride, reclaiming public spaces, and creating a healthier environment for families and future generations. The church’s commitment to this work goes beyond logistics; it’s a reflection of their belief in stewardship, community responsibility, and love for their neighbors.

By supporting these community cleanups, Martin Street Church of God is helping to create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone. Whether it’s supplying gloves and trash bags, providing water and snacks for volunteers, or simply showing up in solidarity, the church is making a difference—one act of service at a time.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission
Martin Street Church of God’s enduring presence and active role in the community reflect a vision deeply rooted in faith and service. Through its partnership with The Chad Livsey Project, the church is helping to inspire a culture of care and responsibility for the environment—proving that small, consistent acts of kindness and stewardship can lead to meaningful transformation.

Together, Martin Street Church of God and The Chad Livsey Project are reminding us all that community isn’t just where we live—it’s how we live together.

Looking ahead, The Chad Livsey Project is working closely with the church to plan key events for later in the year, including donation drives to support community members in need, educational initiatives, and continued neighborhood beautification efforts. By combining resources and a shared commitment to service, the partnership is building momentum for an even greater impact in the months to come.

Get Involved
Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor, or someone passionate about community beautification, you’re invited to join the mission. To learn more about Martin Street Church of God, visit www.mstcog.org. To get involved with The Chad Livsey Project’s cleanups or to support their work, visit www.chadlivseyproject.org.

Let’s continue building a cleaner, safer, and more connected Atlanta—together.