|
On November 21, 1985 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the GREATER LOVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in the Rev. W.I. Rector Hall. The late Pastor J.J. Rector and thirty-four people were present.
It was motioned by Deacon Freddie Hodges and seconded by Sister Merilyn Sherman that the church elect Rev. L.J. Gillespie, Sr., as Pastor.
Officers appointed by Pastor Gillespie were as follows: Rev. Eddie Jones, Director of Church School; Deacon Freddie Hodges, Chairman of Deacons; Sis. Johnnie Grant, Minister of Music; Sis. Annie Alexander, Director of Usher Board; Sis. Vernell Jones, President of Pastor's Aide; Sis. Faye Harper, Mother of the Church; Sis. Dorothy Spruill, President of Choir; Deacon Arthur Delaware, Director of Finance; Sis. Melissa Arnell, Finance Secretary; Sis. Ada Hoyle, Church Clerk; and, Sis. Gladys Hodges, Church Secretary.
Trustees appointed were as follows: Bro. Walter Clemons, Bro. Eddie Hoyle and Sis. Mary Herron.
On Sunday, December 1, 1985, GREATER LOVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH held its first Worship Service at 629 Burnet Street. Pastor Gillespie's first sermon as "Why Jesus Christ Came into the World". Scripture Reference: Matthew 20:28, Luke 19:10.
On April 26, 1990, the church was incorporated. It was later announced by Pastor Gillespie that the church was given 5.3 acres of land on September 24, 1989. As a result of this, Pastor was led to appoint four members to form a committee the "Circle of Faith"; Deacon Bert Mack, Sis. Ruth Smith, Sis. Annie Alexander and Deacon Norman "Tony" Mattis. As growth of responsibility increased, Pastor Gillespie again was led to appoint two more members, Sis. Cynthia Cannon and Sis. Gladys Hodges, as Financial Secretaries, which now help to make up our Building Fund Committee.
The dedication service for the edifice located at 1534 Peck Avenue was held on May 8, 1994. This is where God has continued to bless and increase the growth of our ministries and we are so ever grateful for all that He has done.
To God Be The Glory!
|
