As one of the oldest churches in Memphis, Tennessee, Greater Middle Baptist Church celebrated a major milestone on Sunday, August 24, 2025 – 194 years of faithfully moving forward. The Honorable Memphis Mayor Paul Young and his family were among the special guests to speak and read a resolution to highlight the special day.

A weekend of activities with other featured guests was scheduled to mark the occasion. Starting on Saturday, August 23, the church held a picnic with food, fellowship, bounce houses for kids, games, and lot of fun. Later that evening, the GMBC Male Chorus presented a special concert by legendary musician Savoyd Beard. Stevenson Clark served as master of ceremonies during the concert. GMBC also warmly welcomed other noted Gospel entertainers to the tune of Berneta Miles, James Sexton, and the Sons of Wonder.

Pastor emeritus of the historic New Sardis Baptist Church, Dr. L. LaSimba Gray, Jr. served as featured speaker for the 194th Anniversary Celebration. Dr. Gray, who was baptized and introduced to the prophetic ministry at GMBC, shared the inspiration he received from Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks to be a part of “solutions in life.” This led to Gray’s lifetime of activism for the city and county in the areas of health ministries, environmental justice, human rights, and Operation Push, among others.

During the Anniversary Celebration, Gray spoke from St. Matthew 16:18, and his Sermon was entitled “Built to Last.”

Deacons Wesley Lay and Ledell Lowe served as program coordinators for the event. They offered special recognition to Savoyd Beard and other guest musicians, Sis. Delores Wade and the GMBC Music Department and Choirs, all program participants, the Youth Department, GMBC Food Services, the Media Ministry, the Decoration Committee, Camberien Robertson who captured the day through a photo booth, and all GMBC family, friends and visitors.