A beacon of unity stands here Greater Galilee Baptist Church. It is a testament to faith and community. Greater Galilee Baptist Church began humbly in 1916. It started as a Sunday school group. Reverend Herbert Edwards and his wife Sister Annabelle Edwards hosted it. Their home became a sanctuary for African Americans in Barberton.
The Edwards established this fellowship. They wanted to meet the spiritual needs of the community. The charter members included the Edwards. Deacon and Sister B. N. Chandler joined them. Brother and Sister Nay Smith also became members. Brother Mayfield completed the founding group.
Reverend N. H. Jones from Atlanta served as the first pastor. His time was short. He returned to Atlanta to further his education. Reverend Ferby followed him. Ferby combined his church with Galilee. The church was then named The Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church.
The congregation later voted to rename it. It became The Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Services took place in members’ homes. They even used the homes of non-members. The membership grew steadily. Reverend Edwards secured permission. He used the upstairs of the Northern Theatre for Sunday services.
Reverend A. C. Carlyle became the third pastor in 1918. He served until 1919. In 1919, Reverend Abraham Thomas arrived. He moved from Portsmouth Ohio for work. He became the fourth pastor. Some members from his previous church joined Galilee. In 1921, Pastor Thomas and some members left. They started another church.
Reverend Isaac M. Yancy was the fifth pastor. During his time, Galilee joined Friendship Baptist Church. Reverend McWhee led Friendship Baptist Church. The combined church was called Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Under Pastor Yancy, the church bought its present site. They purchased it from a Caucasian congregation for $7000.
Pastor Yancy served Galilee for seven years. God then called him to a church in Kenmore Ohio. Reverend Samuel S. Thomas and Reverend Van Landingham followed. They served as the sixth and seventh pastors.
In 1938, Reverend Milton E. Wilson became the eighth pastor. Under his leadership, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church paid off its mortgage. They celebrated with a mortgage-burning service. Pastor Wilson bought a parsonage on Van Street. The church later reimbursed him. Wilson left to pastor Liberty Hill Church in Cleveland.
Reverend S. E. Ware from Cleveland Ohio became the ninth pastor. He remodeled the building. The front of the church changed from National Avenue to Huston Street.
Reverend Gus Benjamin Ballard and Reverend Warner Mamon Powe followed. They were the tenth and eleventh pastors. Reverend Emmett Lee Sr. became the twelfth pastor. He served longer than any previous pastor. In 1973, he started a remodeling fund. Pastor Lee left in 1976. He pastored Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Elyria Ohio.
The remodeling drive continued under Reverend Alfred Hawkins. He was the thirteenth pastor. In June 1978, the congregation approved the architect’s plans. In March 1979, Reverend James A. Stanton became the 14th pastor. He came from Cleveland Ohio.
Remodeling began in September 1979. It finished in July 1980. Barberton officials allowed the church to worship at the Weigand Building. This was during the renovation. After completion, a motorcade led the procession back. It went from the Weigand Building to the church. A consecration service was held on July 29 1980. Reverend G. Q. Brown gave the Dedicatory Sermon.
In December 1984, Reverend Stanley Vincent Wood became the fifteenth pastor. He served until 1986. In February 1987, Reverend William V. Green became the sixteenth pastor. Pastor Green served faithfully for 20 years. God called him to Nashville Tennessee. He pastored the Tabernacle of Glory Baptist Church. Green was the longest-serving pastor of Galilee.
In 2007, Reverend William T. Hunt was elected as the seventeenth pastor. In February 2011, the church changed its name. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church became Greater Galilee Baptist Church. This marked a new beginning.
In March 2011, Bishop Doctor Emmett J. Lee became the eighteenth and current pastor. In August 2012, the church retired its mortgage. Greater Galilee Baptist Church has been blessed. God is blessing the church spiritually and numerically. For this, they are eternally grateful.
Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Houston is dedicated. It fosters a welcoming community. The church unites people through faith in Jesus Christ. It embraces inclusivity. It aims to connect people through shared values and worship. With regular services and Sunday School, the church emphasizes spiritual growth. It addresses the local need for hope and support. Its commitment encourages individuals to explore their faith. Greater Galilee Baptist Church serves as a beacon of unity. It invites all to join in their mission of love and service.