“What pray and the Word can’t do, just can’t be done.” That’s the motto of Great True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. Today we’re standing before a place with a vibrant history. It’s a history rooted in faith and community.
Great True Vine Missionary Baptist Church began in 1967. It started as a mission to win souls for Christ. Four deacons met and saw a need. They were Willie F. Jordan Sr., Govan Campbell, John Collins Jr., and Saul Goner. Deacon Goner found the True Vine M.B. Church building vacant. The brethren reorganized and renamed it Great True Vine M.B. Church.
The church started its mission at 3226 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago. This was on November 29, 1967. They didn’t have a pastor at first. The church prayed and elected Rev. Walter Coolidge as their pastor.
Rev. Coolidge resigned in 1968. In the spring of 1968, Rev. Curtis Brooks became the pastor. He resigned in the fall of 1969. Without a pastor, the spirit led them to Rev. L.C. Caver. In the winter of 1969, Pastor Caver and his congregation from United Baptist Church merged with Great True Vine.
While on Roosevelt Road, the Lord blessed the church. They were able to purchase the building at 3226 W. Roosevelt Road. The church grew. Many new members joined. Deacons Willie Jordan Sr. and Govan Campbell confessed their call to ministry. Rev. Willie Jordan later organized Jordan Temple Baptist Church. Rev. Govan Campbell organized Holy Ground Baptist Church. Deacon John Collins Jr. became Chairman of the Deacon board. More ministers, deacons and members joined the ministry.
On October 19, 1974, Great True Vine moved to 5950 W. Chicago Ave. In January 1982, the church moved to its current location. It is at 5932-38 W. Division St. The building needed a lot of work. The pastor, deacons, members and friends worked hard. Bobbie Williams and Alex Bruno helped faithfully remodel the building.
On Sunday, December 22, 1982, they marched into their new place of worship. Rev. Forrest Norvell, Pastor of St. Rest MBC, prayed the dedication prayer. Rev. Willie A. Kelly, Pastor of Rising Sun MBC, preached the first sermon. During that time, the church grew greatly in numbers. More deacons were added and preachers confessed their call to ministry.
Pastor L.C. Caver resigned on September 1, 1996. He served for 27 years. He asked the church to accept Rev. John E. Collins Sr. as pastor. Rev. John E. Collins Sr. officially became pastor of Great True Vine MBC on October 6, 1996.
Under Pastor John Collins leadership, many ministries have been added. More preachers have accepted their call and some are now pastoring. Many souls have been saved. They created programs to feed the hungry. They purchased property and remodeled the church building. Pastor Collins focused on Christian Education. The Church became part of the Sunlight District, United Baptist State Convention, and The National Baptist Convention.
Great True Vine Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows the power of community and the importance of Christian Education. It is still standing strong today.