Greater Middle Baptist Church has been blessed with several extraordinary leaders who have led the Church to flourish to what it is today. We sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of each spiritual leader, whom God has placed at Greater Middle Baptist.
Looking back over GMBC’s extensive history, we find it befitting that we pause to remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks (January 31, 1925 – April 15, 2010) — a man whose faith, courage, and compassion forever changed the course of history in Memphis and beyond.
A proud native of Memphis, Dr. Hooks devoted his life to serving God and humanity. As a Baptist minister, he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction and care, always reminding us that faith and justice walk hand in hand. His ministry was rooted in love for his community and in the belief that the church must stand as both a moral and social beacon for those in need.
Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Hooks blazed trails in law, communications, and civil rights. He became Tennessee’s first African-American criminal court judge in 1965 and later served as the first African-American commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. His leadership opened doors for countless others to serve and be heard.
From 1977 to the early 1990s, Dr. Hooks served as Executive Director of the NAACP, where he reinvigorated the organization and championed equality in education, employment, and opportunity. His voice was steady and strong in the ongoing call for justice and compassion for all people.
Dr. Hooks often reminded others that “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). His life reflected that truth daily. Guided by the words of Micah 6:8 — “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” — he dedicated himself to lifting others and building bridges of understanding.
The legacy of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks continues to inspire our city and nation. His unwavering faith and lifelong commitment to justice remind us that each of us has a role in building God’s Kingdom — one act of love, service, and courage at a time.