Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church

In 1864, a beacon of faith emerged amidst a city striving for new beginnings. Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church, a testament to the resilience and spiritual fortitude of its founders, began its journey. Rev. Butler Harper, recognizing the spiritual needs of the community, gathered the faithful. They initially met in homes, fostering a close-knit bond among early worshippers like Brother Addison Haley. Soon, their collective devotion led them to build their first sanctuary at the corner of Tenth and Findlay Streets. This humble structure, dedicated in 1865, became the spiritual anchor for the burgeoning congregation of Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church. The church thrived under the leadership of dedicated deacons like Alex Hunt, James Davidson, and William Wilson, and faithful sisters like Seray Davidson and Eliza Farley. The names of these founding members are etched in the annals of Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church’s history. Over the years, influential figures shaped the church’s trajectory. Rev. B.R. Reid, a pastor of great renown, led the congregation to its current location on Waller Street. In 1923, a new edifice was erected, a lasting monument to Rev. Reid’s vision. Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church continued to grow, evolving with the changing times. In 2003, Rev. Clarence Parker ushered in an era of new programs and outreach initiatives. His 19-year tenure left an indelible mark on Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church. The legacy of faith continues under Rev. Antonio Neely, who assumed leadership in 2021. Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church stands as a testament to 156 years of unwavering faith, a beacon of hope in the heart of New Orleans.