After 65 years, the need for a new facility was apparent. Atlanta’s black middle class was growing rapidly and families began to move out of the area.  Rather than relocate, as many churches opted to, Cosmopolitan decided to remain as one of the anchors of Vine City.  In early 1971, renovations began to modernize the church.  Worship was held at Morris Brown College’s Student Center until the renovations were complete.  Unfortunately, shortly after returning to our newly renovated church, Rev. Dr. James R. Hurley, our pastor, made his earthly transition. 

Each pastor assigned to Cosmopolitan, in their own way, contributed to the growth, legacy, and mission of the church – fulfilling the great commission. Outreach remains a catalyst for our ministries, as we seek to draw others to Christ, through service, love of all mankind, and spreading the good news.  Dedicated members, who have been steadfast through the years, work hard to build God’s kingdom.

Cosmopolitan remains undaunted in our commitment to the gospel. Descendants of the original six members remain active today. Our various deeds and missions through the years are highlighted below:

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• In addition to its curriculum and life applications, Sunday School enhanced reading and math skills, nurtured public speaking, and built confidence in our youth.  Easter recitals, Christmas plays, annual picnics, and other such events combine the ministry of the Young People’s Department and Church School.

• The church has long used entertainment as a means of evangelism and fundraising.  Productions such as the Slab Town Convention, Tom Thumb Weddings, Annual Churchwide Teas, musical tributes, and other events were presented to draw in others.

• With so many neighborhood children attending church, the late Rev. Joseph F. Moses organized our Young People’s Department.

• The late Rev. L. J. Jones used his appearances on local radio programs to address social and civic opportunities that the church was involved in.  Rev. Jones also established a nightly weekly worship service.

• A young music education major, Bro. James A. Smith, joined the music department, where he ministered for many years.  Eventually the gospel choir was renamed in his honor. Like his predecessor, Professor Floyd Sullivan who celebrated hymns and chorales, he too left an indelible imprint on the music ministry.

• Because of the fiery preaching of the late Rev. Dr. Morrie L. Hood and our high praise worship, Cosmopolitan was known as “the Holy Ghost Headquarters”. The M. L. Hood Ensemble was formed early on during his pastorage, and they made a commercial album recording.

• The Gospel Chorus supplemented the cost of a new organ and provided financial support for ministry by working concessions at the Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.

• When the late Rev. Dr. David H. Jackson was appointed, the church purchased a home from Atlanta University, which became our parsonage.  We became neighbors with the family of the late Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

• The Fellowship Hall became a polling site for local elections.

• Rev. Dr. Earle Ifill oversaw the purchase of adjacent plighted properties, which were a haven for crime.  Not only did this action address security concerns, it also increased our footprint in preparation for our future in Vine City.

• During the Reagan Administration, the kitchen was upgraded to a commercial kitchen.  This allowed us to be designated as a host site for a Senior Citizens program, the precursor to county run senior programs. 

• As the Alice Brown Usher Board matured, the Minnie Domineck Junior Usher Board was formed.  It was named to honor the longest serving member of the Senior Usher Board. 

• Rev. Isaiah Waddy partnered with community-based programs that provided Saturday tutorials for elementary and middle school aged students.  In addition to academics, the program also introduced students to a new phenomenon, the worldwide web.  Federally funded sourced nutrition grants and programs allowed us to fulfill the unmet nutritional needs of students, by serving breakfast and lunch during summer months.  

• The Children’s Ministry expanded under the late Rev. Oliver Saxby, Jr. with a dedicated Children’s Church.  Wednesday Midday Bible Study was added. A thriving prayer ministry was organized by the late Rev. Zenovia C. Stafford.  Love Feast, a long tradition in the church, was re-instituted.  The Son’s of Allen was reorganized and took on a major role as a men’s ministry.  Our ministerial staff increased with a shared responsibility to execute our mission and the gospel. As the millennium approached, it gave way to a new usher board, The New Millennium Usher Board.

• The idea of a new facility resurfaced when the late Rev. Dr. George R. LaSure was appointed.  A groundbreaking was held, with a conceptual rendering of how we could remain in Vine City. 

• More renovations were completed under Rev. Dr. Jai S. Haithco, with the installation of new pews and carpeting, and a handicap accessible restroom. A weekend scholastic program, focusing on math and science, began with the help of two doctoral candidates. Bible Study was expanded to include a Praise Report and Prayer Request service.  The Arthur Grier Male Chorus was also organized.

• While Rev. Bruce L. Francis was pastor, with the help of the late Sis. Patt Cobb, the church was able to establish relations with the Arthur Blank Foundation.  Sis. Cobb also served as a wellness coach, promoting wellness and healthy eating.  Our clothing ministry, dedicated to the late Sis. Bessie B. Rounsaville, the grand daughter of one our founding members, provided household goods and clothes to people in need.

• In 2015, Cosmopolitan was assigned its first female pastor, Rev. Dr. Sheryl L. Powell.

• Rev. Dr. Debora F. Grant, “Pastor Debbie”, serving as the 49th pastor, re-ignited expansion plans, moving the process further along. A community development corporation was established to facilitate land use. In addition to our clothing ministry, the church became a distribution site for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and a 211 Resource.  During the Pandemic, we expanded from one service to two Sunday worship services.

• Our rich heritage continues with our current pastor, Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. McDonald.  Dr. McDonald has instituted Cosmo Cares, Cosmo Connects and the Cosmo College Ministry.