Established in 1913 Galilee Missionary Baptist Church stands proudly in Houston. Its story begins under a brush arbor. Reverend D Hartmond led the first services. Just one year later Reverend W M Parker took over. The congregation moved to a small Cohn Street building. This was one of only two churches in Acres Homes then. Galilee shared the building with Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pastor Parker’s leadership saw the church move to its current location at 6616 Sherwin Street. A small 100 square foot building was erected. Lee Turner Jacob Richardson and John Spencer served as trustees. Reverend Parker served for four years. Growth continued under subsequent pastors. The building expanded multiple times. Reverend Jack C Smith’s tenure saw membership increase dramatically. From just 35 it grew to 185 members. He served for an impressive 26 years.
A devastating fire in 1948 forced rebuilding. Reverend Dionishious S Bailey led the effort. The rebuilt church measured 1950 square feet. More trustees were added William Sheffield H B Turner and others. Even more deacons joined Atwood Farris H D Jones and many more. In 1961 a new 5900 square foot sanctuary was built. This marked 48 years of Galilee’s existence. The church continued to flourish. Reverend Bailey a great pastor and Bible scholar served for 30 years.
Reverend Earnest J Booker’s leadership saw further expansion. Eleven more deacons were ordained. A significant achievement was the renaming of Sherwin Street to D S Bailey Lane. This honored Reverend Bailey’s dedication to the church and community. Reverend Booker’s resignation in 1987 led to a search for a new pastor. Reverend Edwin Allen Davis was chosen. His tenure brought more growth and construction. A 3700 square foot fellowship hall was added in 1993. A mortgage burning ceremony celebrated its early payoff. A new 15964 square foot sanctuary was completed in 2003. This increased the church’s total size to 19664 square feet. The church celebrated its 90th and 100th anniversaries. It remains a significant landmark in Acres Homes. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of faith hope and love.