How about a story of faith that spans decades? It’s about Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. This church has a rich history in Dallas. It’s a story of resilience and growth.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church began in 1947. Rev. T. C. Swain first organized it. Rev. A. J. Anthony later reorganized it. This happened in Bro. and Sis. Buddy Robinson’s yard. William Howard became the first Deacon. He led the Deacon Board until 1980.
The church grew. It grew spiritually and numerically. It also grew financially. Early services were in a vacant house and a tent. Later, they bought property and built a church. It was at 2504 Tune Avenue in the Roosevelt area.
Rev. Anthony’s health declined. Rev. E. A. Greer helped with services. After Rev. Anthony died, the church reorganized again. Rev. Governor Thompson served as pastor. Then Rev. L. T. Thompson followed. Rev. W. C. Beene then led for fourteen years. He moved the Church to 2571 Sunbeam. Edna Howard was the church clerk. She served from 1953 to 1993. Rev. G. Allen later served as pastor. He moved the Church to 4535 Vandervoort. This is where the Fellowship Hall and classrooms are now. Rev. E. M. Bonner became pastor after Rev. Allen left.
In 1977, Rev. L. R. Davis became pastor. He served faithfully until his retirement on November 3, 2018. Herman Ward became Chairman of the Board after Deacon Howard died. William Jones succeeded him. Rufus Roland then served as chairman. He served until his illness. He then became Chairman Emeritus until he died. Dale Campbell was ordained as a deacon on May 23, 2001. Don Griffin succeeded Bro. Roland. Don Finley then followed him. Dale Campbell is the current Chairman. Kim Edward succeeded Edna Howard as church clerk in 1994.
Under Rev. Davis’s leadership, the church thrived. It grew spiritually and numerically. It also grew financially. In 1983, they moved to their new sanctuary. It’s located at 4545 Vandervoort.
In 1997, they celebrated the church’s golden anniversary. They burned the mortgage note. A scholarship fund was created. It was funded by generous donations. This fund helped Galilee students further their education. Over 90% of Galilee’s High School graduates obtained college degrees. Many have obtained advanced degrees. On May 31, 2009, the scholarship fund was named. It became “The Leonard R. and Cloteal E. Davis Scholarship Foundation”. This honored the Pastor and Wife. It recognized their dedication to education.
Many ministries expanded. Some were newly created. The Youth Department now includes a Mime troupe. It also includes Youth Bible study on Wednesday nights. The Girl Scout troupe actively participates in community activities. They also do cookie sales. The Healthy Ministry holds health fairs. It also offers nutrition classes. Blood pressure and glucose tests are regularly held. A monthly health focus is in the church bulletin. The Brotherhood instituted a Boys to Men Ministry. This provides mentoring to young men. A drama ministry and a Nursing Home Ministry were added. The music ministry grew. It now includes a Minister of Music, organist, pianist, directress, drummer, and bass player. Praise Expressions was formed. It includes girls ages 4-18 and adults. The Leadership Council was reactivated in 2014. A Leadership Training Conference is held annually. It’s for outgoing and incoming officers.
On December 11, 2018, Rev. Damien Williams was called. He served until December 2019. Rev. Davis became Pastor Emeritus in May 2019. Rev. Jerry Maynard was called as pastor on December 18, 2020. The church is excited about its future direction. Rev. Dr. Nathan Scovens now leads Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. His altruistic spirit influences the church. He preaches that they are blessed to bless others. GMBC’s ministries significantly impact the community. They have initiatives like the Global Galilee Virtual Church. Also the Mobile Galilee Church on Wheels. They also partner with their local CVS Pharmacy.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church continues to do amazing things. It welcomes all to join their worship. The church strives to reach the community. It does this for God’s glory. It truly believes that each one reaches one.