Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church

What if walls could talk? The walls of Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Houston could tell a compelling story of faith, perseverance, and community. Greater Mount Moriah has been a beacon of hope in Houston’s Third Ward since its humble beginnings in April 1980. Pastor Albert George Simmons founded the church. Initially, the congregation gathered in the homes of members, including Brother and Sister Johnnie Sales. They lacked a dedicated space for worship. For a time, services were even held in the cafeteria of Greater Christian Hope Baptist Church, thanks to the generosity of Pastor Wess Owens. The members of Greater Mount Moriah showed their dedication by holding weekly dinner sales to raise money for their own building. Their hard work paid off. They first secured a rental property at 3502 Chenevert Street. Despite facing challenges with building upkeep, Pastor Simmons led his congregation with unwavering faith. Later, Greater Mount Moriah moved to a more suitable location at 3413 Elgin Street, their current home. Through divine grace and the congregation’s determination, they eventually purchased the property. Pastor Simmons, born in 1935, had a life-changing experience on New Year’s Eve in 1966. He received a divine message: “Go tell my people I love them.” This led him to join Ship of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon before answering the call to preach. He founded Greater Mount Moriah in 1980. Pastor Simmons led the church for many years, even after the passing of his first wife, Mildred, in 1994. He later remarried Delores Williams in 1997. Today, Greater Mount Moriah continues its mission under Pastor G.R. Wilson. He took the helm in 2020, succeeding Pastor Emeritus A.G. Simmons. Pastor Wilson, born in 1984, is a Houston native with a background in law enforcement. He carries on the church’s mission to be a light, make a difference, and make disciples of Christ. Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church stands as a testament to the power of faith and community.