Since 1909 Greater Beulah Baptist Church has stood as a beacon in Deanwood Heights. It all started with Reverend James Cobb. He saw a need for discipleship in the neighborhood.
Greater Beulah Baptist Church began as a Sunday school. Soon the community needed a church body. Reverend Edward Blackwell became the first pastor in 1910. Albert and Edith Gay and their daughter Alberta were founding members. In 1912 twelve people from First Baptist Church in Fairmont Heights joined.
Reverend W. Dixon became pastor in 1914. During his time in 1915 Greater Beulah Baptist Church officially became incorporated.
In 1925 Reverend J.D. Catlett became pastor. Mount Airy Baptist Church contributed pews and an organ. Reverend William B. Marsh followed in 1926. During his nine years the sanctuary now the Oliver W. Evans Center was completed. Construction on the lower auditorium began.
Reverend J.B. Reid from Athens Georgia took over in 1936. He served for three years. One of Greater Beulah Baptist Church’s own sons Reverend Oliver W. Evans became pastor in 1939. He served for twenty-two years. He did not accept a salary for four years. The lower auditorium was completed. Memorial windows were installed. New furniture a Hammond organ and a piano were purchased. Two lots were bought for a larger building.
After Reverend Evans retired Reverend Moses L. Jackson Jr. became pastor in 1961. He served for thirty-eight years. Membership grew significantly. Several parcels of land were purchased. Groundbreaking for the current building was in 1966. The dedication was in April 1967. The mortgage was paid off in 1976. Dr. Jackson wanted to serve the whole community. A three-story building was purchased. Construction began on a multi-purpose building.
Dr. Marcus E. Turner became Interim Pastor in 1999. He was elected Pastor soon after. Dr. Turner focused on quality in all areas. He completed the multi-purpose building in 2004. It had been started under Dr. Jackson. Dr. Turner created a social media presence for Greater Beulah Baptist Church.
In 2010 Greater Beulah Baptist Church revised its bylaws. This was to be more like the New Testament Church. Greater Beulah Baptist Church licensed its first woman Minister Lisa S. Turner.
Dr. Turner followed the example of previous pastors. He wanted to serve the whole community. In 2011 Greater Beulah Baptist Church broke ground for Eden Place at Beulah Crossing. This is a 63-unit townhouse development. The models are named after former pastors. In 2015 Greater Beulah Baptist Church participated in the groundbreaking of Eastbrooke at Beulah Crossing. This is a 39-unit apartment building.
In 2019 Greater Beulah Baptist Church renovated its sanctuary. New HVAC windows audio and video equipment and pews were installed. New flooring a cross window treatments and instruments were added.
Greater Beulah Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It has overcome struggles and achieved great things. Greater Beulah Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of hope. Greater Beulah Baptist Church always does things God’s way. It brings people to Christ engages them in worship and urges them into fellowship. Greater Beulah Baptist Church helps people reach their goals in ministry and in life.