God's Blessings Over the Years
Greater Middle Baptist Church, currently located at 4982 Knight Arnold Road, pre-dates any African-American church in the City of Memphis, according to the Baptist Archives.
The Church had its beginnings in the First Baptist Church (Parkway), as a slave church. Church records (Middle Baptist and First Baptist) reveal that the congregation petitioned for a separate church. In November 1848, (exact date is unavailable), services were held in the lower level of First Baptist Church, at Main and Exchange streets. Reverend Thomas Lucas, a white minister was chosen by First Baptist as the first pastor of the “Middle Baptist Church,” so named because another Baptist congregation called Central Baptist had been organized. Also, the name “Middle” had been designated to differentiate and distinguish the congregation of slaves and free persons of color.
The history of the church has been cultivating and inspiring. A miniature reflection of the city of Memphis and the state as it relates to the African-American community can be gleamed from its history. Middle Baptist, since its earliest history, has furnished leadership in religious, social, and political concerns throughout the nation.
Reverend E. W. Williamson was called to pastor the Greater Middle Baptist church in 1951. His emphasis on the scriptural tenets of servant stewardship as a prescription for church growth serves today as one of the foundational pillars of the church.
The congregation moved to its present location in August 2001, from 2455 Lamar Avenue in June 1970, from 821 Lane Avenue, where it had been located since 1934. The Church was originally located at Hill and Alabama in 1866. Race riots broke out in the late 1870 and a fire destroyed the church and the school that was located in the church. This school was one of the first schools for African-American children.
Greater Middle Baptist has a rich heritage and long history in religious, educational, political, and social involvements in the Civil Rights struggle that date from the Reconstruction Era to the present.
Greater Middle Baptist Church has been a leading spiritual center in the city of Memphis, Tennessee for more than a century. We, the members, rejoice in the grace that has been granted to us and remain a congregation, experiencing the wonderful fulfilling role of teaching and leading souls to CHRIST from the middle of the 19th century, throughout the 20th century, and into the 21st century. We proclaim the judgment and sovereignty of Almighty GOD in our efforts to do His Will.
The congregation elected Reverend Benjamin L. Hooks as pastor in 1956. For more than five decades, he brought to Greater Middle Baptist Church the enfoldment of the greatest spiritual and intellectual enlightenment that one could have possibly experienced. Under the leadership of Dr. Hooks, the Church experienced no only a significant population increase, but three advantageous physical changes – the move from 821 Lane Avenue to 2455 Lamar and second move to our current location at 4982 Knight Arnold Road, along with the purchase of 4748 Winchester Road.
We believe that Greater Middle Baptist Church is indeed a magnet for spiritual and civil development.
The congregation elected Reverend Kenny Pinkney as pastor in January 2009. It appears that the enfoldment of spiritual and civic outreach will continue to enrich the lives of Greater Middle Baptist Church, the citizens of Memphis, and souls around the world.
A specific timeline view of GMBC History is below.
1831
- Slaves worshipped in the gallery of First Baptist Church at Adams and Second streets (Now located at E. Parkway and Poplar streets)
- Reverend Henry Lawrence, Preacher – A Negro Methodist
- Named Middle Baptist and worshipped separately from Whites
1848
- Church located at Washington and Fourth streets
- White-frame building built for slaves and free persons of color
- Called Washington Street Church
- Became Missionary Baptist
1858
- Church moved from Washington Street to Main and Exchange streets
- Later moved to Quinn Street
- Called Quinn Street Church
1859
- Reverend Finley, Pastor (First White pastor)
- Reverend T. J. Drand, Pastor (A White pastor)
1862
- Reverend William Brinkley, Pastor (First Black Pastor)
- Brinkley was born free, was well-educated, and was an exceptional Bible Scholar.
- Brinkley exerted leadership in religious, civic affairs, and economic problems of Negroes (The beginning of the Church’s involvement in civil affairs.)
- Published a newsletter called “The Living Way”
1866
- Church burned during race riots because the Church had been used as a school.
- Borrowed $5,000 to rebuild the Church
- Organized the Howe Institute, that later became Owen Jr. College which merged with LeMoyne College
1885
- 68 members expelled for joining secret societies (Fraternal organizations)
1886
- Church burned and rebuilt
1896
- Reverend William Brinkley was forced to leave the city and went to Stockton, California, taking all members except six with him.
- Known members of the remaining six were Minnie Payne, Elizabeth Bond, and Julia Lee
1897
- Reverend J. B. Woods, Pastor
- The six members reorganized the Church
1909
- Reverend William Winfield, Pastor
- Increased membership to 200
- Moved to Alabama and Hill streets
- Minnie Payne, pianist
- Ministers following Reverend Winfield were Rev. J. C. Clark, Rev. A. D. Hurt, Rev. J. Mitchell, Rev. W. Springer, Rev. E. White, Rev. M. L. Johnson, Rev. E. Johnson, Rev. T. Gatewood, and Rev. H. Perry
1936
- Reverend W. E. Ragsdale, Pastor
- Moved Church to 821 Lane Avenue
1944
- Reverend W. P. Tate, Pastor
- Carried the Church into the Friendship Association
1950
- Rev. E. W. Williamson, Pastor
- Added Education Complex, which included a dining area and eight classrooms
- Organized the Birthday Clubs as a part of the Missionary Society
1956
- Reverend B. L. Hooks, Pastor
- Added “Greater” to the name of Middle Baptist
- Opened a daycare center
- Created new mass choirs: Choral Ensemble, Mass Choir, Voices of Revelations, Frances Dances Hooks Chorale
- Founded the International Baptist Tea as a fundraiser for LeMoyne-Owen College
1970
- Congregation moved to Lamar Avenue, under Hooks’ leadership
1997
- Congregation moved to 4982 Knight Arnold Road, under Hooks’ leadership
- Founded the Madonna Guild Nursery
- Initiated the Garden of Prayer
- Adopted Bethel Grove and Evans Elementary Schools
- Involved members in Religious Retreats
- Weekly televised worship services
2010
- Reverend Robert L. Mason, Pastor
- Started radio broadcast ministry
- Presentation of a convocation
- Purchased a new 25-passenger bus
- Added a nontraditional Sunday School Class
The future of the congregation of Greater Middle Baptist Church depends upon each one of you. The Church has evolved for nearly two centuries. The sons, daughters, families, and the community must continue this legacy and the new challenge that faces us for a spiritual, financial, and prosperous future.
-The late Noah Bond, Church Historian