OUR CHURCH HISTORY

 

Inspired by God, the Reverend William Vaughn organized Galilee Baptist Church as a mission in 1919. The church's documented history began in 1923 at 910 Gillespie Street. The minister during this time was unknown. During that year, the church burned down, and its members merged with Canaan Baptist Church. However, some members felt that Galilee Baptist Church should buy land and relocate. Mother Smith, another inspired servant of Christ, used her own money to purchase a two-story storefront building located at 4418 Industrial Avenue, which would serve as a church and residence for the pastor and his family.

 

The Reverend Ira Watkins was called to pastor Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in 1924, and served faithfully for 20 years, until 1944. During his tenure, Rev. Watkins ordained Rev. J. L. McClain and Rev. Charles Watkins.

 

In 1944, the Reverend Julius McClain was elected to pastor this great church and did so with devotion until 1980, with the assistance of these interim ministers: Rev. Henry, Rev. Goodman, Rev. Steel, Rev. Anderson, Rev. Simpson, and Rev. Thompson.

 

The Reverend John T. Boyd was elected in March 1980 to pastor Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. At that time, the church consisted of seven members. The Lord richly blessed us by adding many sheep to the flock. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Boyd, a new edifice was built in 1985. On December 5, 1993, we were able to burn the mortgage.

 

With the continual leadership of Rev. Boyd, in 1996 we built yet another edifice, where we are currently located. Pastor Boyd left Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in 2001, after service steadfastly for twenty-one years.

 

The Reverend Wilbur Campbell was elected to the pastorate in 2001 and served until 2003.

 

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was changed to Greater Galilee Baptist Church in November of 2003. Minister Alvin Brown served as its interim pastor from January 2004 to September 2004.

 

The Reverend Latrelle W. Holmes, Sr. was installed as pastor on April 24, 2005 and served as pastor until December 31, 2015. Under his leadership, Greater Galilee experienced growth and commitment of members in the area of prayer, Bible study, ministry involvement, and mission work.

 

The church has purchased additional property and is continually seeking to broaden its presence in the neighborhood. The entire church building has received a new roof, a mural has been painted in the baptismal pool area, and we replaced our audio equipment. On November 18, 2008 we celebrated the glorious milestone of once again burning our mortgage.

 

On January 03, 2016, Reverend Andre LaVell Williams Sr, was positioned to take the reins of the Greater Galilee Baptist Church. On May 15, 2016, Reverend Williams was voted in as Interim Pastor. After prayer and continually seeking after the heart of God, Reverend Williams was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Greater Galilee Baptist Church on April 9, 2017. As God's Vision continues to be revealed, under the leadership of Rev. A.L. Williams Sr, our church has established a new 501C3 non-profit organization under the name of one of our beloved deceased mothers of the church, the Oreatha Demps Outreach Center, which will be used to serve our elderly community, our homeless and disabled veterans and to assist our youth with a literacy program. Another strong effort that Pastor Williams led was a water drive during the height of the continued Flint Water Crisis. Pastor Williams coordinated with Pastor Devon Ward, then of The House of Hope, Atlanta, GA, under the direction and leadership of mega church pastor, Dr. E.D. Smith, Jr. in the transport of 2 semi-trucks full of water cases to the City of Flint. Several over-sized trucks from Muskegon, MI were gifted from Rev. Dr. Samuel Greer, Jr., and 1 truck from the Prayer Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Redford, MI, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Anthony D. Johnson.

 

Along with a new sound, church website, church welcome center and many infallible benchmarks of service and gratitude, we consider ourselves to be extremely blessed to be providing ministry for nine (9) decades. Our church motto is, "Love is the Foundation by Which we Are United." Down through the years God has been good to us and we are not ashamed to tell the world about how good He has been.