Forty-one attendees marked the humble beginnings of Greenbrier Baptist Church. It wasn’t always a grand structure. In 1950, Paul Carter, a pastor called to Waverly, Virginia, received a special request. James R. Bryant, the Executive Secretary, sought someone to establish a church in South Arlington. This area spanned fifteen blocks and housed 10,000 residents.
Secretary Bryant believed Reverend Carter was the ideal choice. Carter’s heart resonated with the need for this ministry. With the Waverly congregation’s blessing, he embraced the challenge. Thus began Carter’s influential pastorate at Greenbrier Baptist Church.
Initially, the church convened at 5222 Columbia Pike. This house served as both the parsonage and a place of worship. Pastor Carter’s five-and-a-half weeks of neighborhood outreach paved the way for the first worship service. It took place on a Sunday morning, October 15th. The congregation sang “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”. Reverend Carter delivered the message titled “What Is A Church?”
Greenbrier Baptist Church formally came into existence on January 13, 1952. The Potomac Baptist Association oversaw the organization service at the Columbia Pike location. Fifty-seven individuals became charter members. One month later, the church elected its first deacons. They were F. Athey DeVall, Dennis P. Doss, W. Ashley Fry, T. Howard Warren, and Charles A. Turner.
Before long Greenbrier established its permanent home. The Reverend Paul Carter served Greenbrier until 1968. Eight individuals have since held the office of Pastor.
Dr. James L. Blevins followed Carter serving from 1968 to 1969. Dr. Bobby D. Box then served from 1970 to 1973. Dr. Ray F. Cleek followed from 1974 to 1979. The Reverend J. Finney Williams served from 1980 to 1997. Dr. Robert J. Tennant III then served until 2006. Dr. Bill McMahon served first as an interim pastor in 2007. He was later called to the office and served until January 2009. The Reverend Pamela I. Chisholm was installed in September 2009. She then served until 2019.
Reverend Artemia Bates Mendoza was the associate pastor to Reverend Pamela I. Chisholm. In March 2019, she was called as Senior Pastor of GBC. She had served as an understudy of her good friend and mentor, Rev. Pamela I. Chisholm. Currently, Rev. Chino Kearney serves as interim pastor.
Today, Greenbrier Baptist Church continues to evolve. The church proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates love for the community through action. Greenbrier serves in all they do. In serving they become the hands and feet of Jesus.
Greenbrier Baptist Church extends an invitation to all. Join them as they evolve together. Evolve in the everlasting love of God. Worship services take place on Sunday at 10:00 am. You can join in person, on Facebook, or via Zoom. Prayer and Bible Study happens on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Meetings are currently in person and online via Zoom. There are also Spanish worship and bible study options.