McDonough Methodist Church has deep roots in Henry County, dating back to 1821 when Methodism arrived with the early pioneers. After worshiping in shared spaces, the church purchased an acre of land in 1830 for $50 and built its first dedicated building. Over the years, the congregation grew and worship spaces evolved—from a wooden frame structure in 1894 to a brick church in 1905, and finally to the current sanctuary, opened in 1965.


Originally part of a 28-church preaching circuit, McDonough became a station church in 1956. As the community expanded, so did the church’s ministries In 1981, construction began on an education wing and fellowship hall, later named Coan Fellowship Hall in honor of generous donors Mr. and Mrs. J. Fred (Jeanie) Coan. In the 2000s, the church purchased and renovated the nearby Dowling Textile Property to accommodate further growth, establishing the McDonough Methodist Academy (MMA), a state-certified school serving K-3 through 5th grade. This facility, named the Rodgers Center in 2006, honors the generous legacy of church member Fletcher Rodgers.



Today, McDonough Methodist Church continues to grow in faith and service, rooted in a strong history of mission, education, and community.

Timeline: McDonough Methodist Church History

  • 1821 – Methodism arrives in Henry County with the pioneers.
  • 1822 – McDonough Methodist Church becomes part of a preaching circuit with 27 other churches.
  • 1823 – Village of McDonough is incorporated.
  • 1830 (April 30) – One-acre site purchased for a Methodist church in McDonough for $50.
  • 1894 – Wooden frame church building is dedicated.
  • 1904 – Wooden church moved aside; construction of new brick church begins.
  • 1905 – Brick church completed and serves congregation until 1965.
  • 1956 – McDonough becomes a station church, no longer part of a circuit.
  • 1964 – Construction begins on present sanctuary.
  • 1965 (June 13) – First worship service held in new sanctuary. Rev. John M. Minter preaches; Rev. James M. Moore presides.
  • 1981 (Fall) – Construction begins on an education wing and fellowship hall.
  • 1980s – Fellowship hall named Coan Fellowship Hall in memory of J. Fred and Jeanie Coan, who left a sizable estate gift.
  • Early 2000s – Church experiences growth alongside city and county expansion.
  • Early 2000s – Church purchases Dowling Textile Property adjacent to sanctuary for expansion.
  • 2005 – McDonough Methodist Academy (MMA) becomes state certified.
  • 2006 – Renovated building named Rodgers Center in honor of donor Fletcher Rodgers.
  • Present – MMA continues to serve children from K-3 through 5th grade.