Joshua Church

On a hill known as Eight-Mile, Joshua Church first took root in 1883. The church wasn’t always the building you see before you today. It has a history. It has stories etched into its very foundation. The church’s very name, Joshua Church, came from one of its first deacons, Deacon Henry Gilliard, Sr. The first pastor to lead the congregation was Rev. Handy Washington. Joshua Church has seen a succession of devoted pastors guide its flock. Rev. Edward Simmons served after Rev. Washington. Then came Rev. W.L. McFall from Kingstree, South Carolina. He led the congregation for four years. Rev. Edward Burns stepped in next, even while serving as assistant pastor at Fourth Tabernacle Baptist Church. A pivotal moment in Joshua Church’s history arrived in 1940. Rev. J.S. Simmons began his 47-year tenure as pastor. Countless souls found their way to Christ under his guidance. Many ministers and deacons were ordained during his time. Following Rev. Simmons, Rev. Robert L. Grove became pastor in 1988. A remarkable event happened on May 25th, 2003. After five months of worshiping in the Baptist Center, the congregation marched into a brand new sanctuary. The new sanctuary marked a new chapter for Joshua Church. New ministries blossomed, like WHTH U, Y.E.S., and Power Hour. After 34 years of dedicated service, Rev. Grove retired in 2023. He then became Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Corey R. Anderson now leads Joshua Church, continuing its mission of reaching people for Christ.