What began as a small mission has blossomed into a pillar of faith. Welcome to the Galilee Baptist Church. This church’s journey reflects dedication, growth, and a commitment to community.
First Union Baptist Church was formed on December 1, 1954. Nine devoted members in Southwest Washington sought divine guidance. They elected Reverend Luther N. Gause as their pastor.
Under Reverend Gause, the church relocated. It moved to a larger building on 11th Street NE. With the new space, the congregation voted to rename their church. They chose Galilee Baptist Mission.
Reverend Gause’s health declined. He asked Reverend William H. Bennett, Sr. to assist. In May 1956, Reverend Bennett became the new pastor.
In March 1957, the name changed again. It became Galilee Baptist Church. Reverend Bennett served for over 22 years. The congregation grew. Space became limited. A new site was purchased on Minnesota Avenue SE. In December 1977, they began worshiping there. A cornerstone was laid the following July.
Reverend Bennett retired in 1979. Reverend Dr. Eugene Weathers was elected pastor. He preached his first sermon on March 4, 1979. A building expansion soon followed. Membership increased dramatically. A 7:30 a.m. service was added. The 11:00 a.m. services moved to Anacostia High School.
Reverend Weathers purchased a new edifice in Suitland, Maryland in 1990. This created two sites for Galilee Baptist Church. One was on Minnesota Avenue in Washington, D.C. The other was in Suitland, Maryland. Reverend Weathers resigned in February 1998.
In October 1999, Reverend Dr. Lloyd T. McGriff was called to be pastor. His first sermon was titled “Count It All Joy”. He urged the congregation to move forward together. In January 2000, he became the fourth pastor in Galilee’s history. His early themes included “A Church Doing a New Thing”. Also “A Church Determined to Grow for Christ.” By January 2022, Pastor McGriff became Galilee’s longest-serving pastor.
Under Pastor McGriff’s leadership, Galilee has grown. The church restructured its New Members Class. It developed various ministries. These included Prison Ministry, Discipleship Institute, and more. The Galilee Community Development Corporation or GCDC was organized. It promotes financial literacy and affordable housing.
Today, Galilee Baptist Church holds two Sunday services. They are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Galilee secured 50 acres of land in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Their theme is “Building By Faith – Expanding for the Future.”
Galilee Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows community and growth. From humble beginnings to a multi-site ministry, its story is inspiring. The church continues to impact lives in Washington, D.C. and beyond.