History of Greater Peace Baptist Church
Greater Peace Baptist Church was organized in 1939 when some Christian Missionaries of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church saw the need to organi ze another church to further serve the needs of the community. Thus, the group of missionaries organized the Greater Peace Baptist Church, located on the corner of Spenola and Church Street. Rev. H. Hunter was the first pastor of the church. He served approximately one year. Will Carter and George Billins served as deacons under his leadership.
Louisiana Grier, Inez Pitts, “Mother of the Chur ch” Edith Thomas, Alice Harris, Minnie Brown, Mary Arnolds, Susie Victory, Mattie Guinn, Pinkie Mah one, and others had a strong determination and faith in God. They struggled and kept the name of the church alive and strong. The late George E. King began his pastorate in 1940. At that time, Laur a Pitts and J. L. Gooch were seeking the Lord and found Him under Rev. King. There w ere few members, but with the help of God, Reverend King and his congregation rendered service to God and ma nkind until March 4, 1951, when the church was completely destroyed by fire at its present location. The church recovered from the wound and continued. Several deacons served this church under Reverend King: C.B. Hollis; Jerry Owens; Walter Temple; Henry Williams; Brown Chambers; Ulysses Parker; Rayfus Parham; and J.L. Gooch. The late Rev. King licensed and ordained Rev. J.L. Gooch and Rev. P.L. Randall into the ministry.
A couple of years passed, and in 1952, a new era was engulfed into the history of this church. On September 6, 1952, the late Rev. Oliver L. Holston was called as pastor of the church. Rev. Holston and his congregation were endowed with great wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Under his leadership, the church was remode led and expanded to include an education building and fellowship hall. Many people were converted and baptized; thus, the church membership grew tremendously. Several deacons served under his vibrant and dynamic leadership: Henry Crimes; Ulysses Parker; Rayfus Parham; Eddie Pitts; Allen Jones; John Pa rkman Jr.; Raymond Mays; Robert Weeks; Albert Hines; Hugh Clark; George Flowers; Willie Daughtry; Willie Mosley; Benny Parker; Matthew Jones; Thad Lee; John Spratling; Louis Brown; Joseph Willia ms; David Jackson, Sr.; Bill Hardison; Robert Durham; Edsel Whitaker; Daniel McGhee;Lamar Crittenden; and Cornelius Norwood. The following men were licensed and ordained under his leadershi p: Rev. Nathan Porsha; Rev. Willie Daughtry; Rev. John Parkman; Rev. Raymond Mays; Rev. J.L. Gooch; Rev. Nathan Jordan; Rev. Henry Crimes; and Rev. Hugh L. Clark, who also was Director of Christian Education.
The church became a strong foundation and conti nued to grow under Rev. Holston’s leadership until he departed this life on February 5, 1984. In Se ptember 1984, Rev. Elza L. Sullivan was called to pastor the church. Rev. Sullivan enhanced the growth of the church by encouraging members and getting them involved in missionary work. Under Rev. Sullivan’s leadership, the following ministries were formed: Missionary Circles; Pastor’s Cabinet; Church Program Committee; the Young Adult Usher Board; Prison Ministry; and services to various nursing and convalescent homes.
In 1989, a 15-passenger van was purchased, and th e Bus Ministry was established. The Young Adult Choir was renamed in honor of the late Rev. O.L. Holston. In 1989, beautification of the church windows was completed. To facilitate freshness of the food used in “feeding the flock” a new refrigerator was donated. Also, new choir robes, a copier, hymnal books, and a computer were purchased. A crystal chandelier was donated to the church. In 1990, The Youth Ministry was enhanced by the Boys Scout Pack led by Deacon Samuel French, Sr. and the Girl Scout Troops led by the late Sis. Nancy Williams, Sis. Mozelle Ford-Bams, Sis. Julia Gardner, and Sis. Cornelia Weeks.
In 1991, we dedicated and named the fellowship hall next to the kitchen in honor of Rev. O.L. Holston. The Lord also blessed the church to pur chase two lots and two houses next door to the church. We prayed that the Lord would give us a vision to develop this property for the advancement of His kingdom, and today, this vision is fulfilled. In 1996, the church parking lot was paved.
Several of God’s children were licensed into the ministry under Rev. Sullivan: Rev. William McGhee, who served as an Associate Minister; Rev. Lee Campbell; Rev. Joseph Williams ; Rev. Irving Fleming; Rev. B.J. Joiner; Rev. Bessie L. Robinson; Rev. Johnnie Boone; Rev. Leotha Williams; Rev. Alfonza Seldon; Rev. Raymond Johnson; Rev. Corey J. Neal, who served as Assistant Pastor in charge of the Youth Ministry; and Rev. Mozelle Ford-Bams who served under Rev. Sullivan. Some ministers have been called to glory or have established their own churches.
Under the leadership of Rev. Sullivan, the church was blessed with several deacons: Louis Brown; Benny Parker; John Spratling; Lamar Crittenden; Samuel French, Sr.; Alto Spencer; Karl Brown; Marco Grimes; Edward Brown; John Fleming; Michael Forte; Timothy Carter; Freddie Seals, Sr.; John Crowell; James Dalton; Edsel Whittaker; Thad L ee; and Robert Boone. In 1995, the New Generation Young Adult Choir was organized by Sis. Teresa Shipman and Sis. Mary Williams.
On December 20, 2003, the Greater Peace Baptist Church Praise Team was organized under the leadership of Sis. Tommasina Hughley and Sis. Brenda Canty. The purpose of the Praise Team is to demonstrate worship and praise to Jesus Christ usin g Contemporary Christian Music. Since their first performance, the Praise Team has performed on many occasions throughout the city.
By the grace of God and labor of faithful memb ers, on February 29, 2004, we dedicated our new Fellowship Hall. Tables, chairs, a new speaker system, a food warmer table, and a clock were purchased for the Fellowship Hall. Later in the year, an ADEMCO Vista-20 security system was installed. In 2004, under the faithful hard work of Sis. Tommasina Hughley, encouraged by our Minister of Youth, Rev. Corey J. Neal, we began Fami ly and Friends Day which is celebrated each year in March.
In January 2005, an administrative office was added. In addition, the Financial Office was converted into a newly remodeled Pastor’s Study. Painting s and new furniture were added to the Ushers’ Room, the former Pastor’s Study, and the entranceway at the front of the church. The church van was painted and repaired. Many of these repairs, such as painting and decorating, were done by faithful, dedicated, and hard working members.
In September 2007, Rev. Sullivan announced his retirement. On December 2, 2007, Rev. Sullivan preached his last sermon as Pastor of Greater Pea ce Baptist Church. The torch to carry the Word of God was now passed to Rev. Corey J. Neal.
On December 30, 2007, Rev. Corey J. Neal was ins talled as the Shepherd of Greater Peace Baptist Church. Under Rev. Neal’s leadership, he stressed the involvement in an active church. He believed in sound teaching of the scriptures, fervent prayer to God, and joyful praise of the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Since December 2007, under Rev. Neal’s leadership, eighty new members have joined, bringing the number of active members to three hundred fifty ei ght. Church accomplishments were the additions of a new intercom system, a new intercom storage room, new automation equipment for the Administrative Staff and the Pastor’s Study, and new software for maintaining financial and membership records. A new Clavinova organ with speakers, culinary warming tables, and a new
marquee sign were purchased. In 2008, purchases were made for a printer/fax machine, email address, and two computers. An announcement board was donated by Brother Darrin B. Lee.
Under Rev. Neal’s leadership, the church is blessed by the service of the following deacons: Edsel Whittaker; Louis Brown; Benny Parker; John Spratling; Lamar Crittenden; Samu el French, Sr.; John Fleming; Marco Grimes; Karl Brown; Michael Forte; Alto Spencer; Freddie Seals, Sr.; Edward Brown; Timothy Carter; John Crowell; James Dalton; and Rob ert Boone. The following deacons have gone on to glory: Edward Brown; Thad Lee; John Fleming; Willie Mosley; Bill Hardison; Louis Brown; Edsel Whittaker; and Robert Boone.
On August 10, 2008, Deacon Karl Brown was licensed into the ministry under Rev. Neal. He was also appointed Minister of Christian Education. In 2008, Re v. Neal changed the name of the Pastor Aide Ministry to Shepherd’s Ministry. Two other ministries have been added, the Intercession Prayer Ministry and the Nehemiah Ministry.
In February 2009, Pastor Emeritus Elza L. Sullivan went home to our Heavenly Father. Rev. Sullivan was surely a man of God, who inspired and mentor ed to all of us for twenty-three years. Rev. Sullivan will truly be missed. Also in 2009, Greater Peace lost two of its sons Rev. Raymond Mays and Rev. Hugh L. Clark to the call of our Heavenly Father.
In February 2010 the fellowship hall was named in honor of Emeritus Elza L. Sullivan.
September 16, 2010 Sister Jessie Oates, Mother of Greater Peace Baptist Church was called home to glory. She was very faithful in her duties, serving as a Deaconess, former president of the Usher Ministry, Former President of the Kitchen Ministry, former president of the Mission Ministry, and Sunday School Teacher
January 25, 2011 Reverend Bessie Robinson was ca lled home to glory, a faithful member, her harmonious singing of songs will surely be missed. Through the Trustee Ministry, we now have a projector and screen for the church, lighting for th e outside parking area and the Audio-video room completed.
In the year 2011: The loan for the E.L. Sulliv an Fellowship Hall was paid off. A new bus was purchased, and Bus Training sessions were provided to church bus drivers. Improvements included installing new carpet in the Foyer, new air conditioner, and new alarm system.
In the year 2012: The Whole Person Ministries, Inc. was approved by the Secretary of State for 501C3 status. A new sound system was purchased.
In the year 2013: In preparation for the construction of new church, surveys were compiled. The loan on the church bus was paid off. Wi-Fi Thermostats were installed.
In the year 2014: The Foyer was enhanced aesthe tically with 2 “Welcome” rugs. Also, new rugs were placed in the fellowship hall.
In the year 2015: The original land loan amo unt was $168,000. After the judge finalized the property, all important papers were placed in the church’s safe deposit box.
In the year 2016: A new air conditioning system was purchased. For the Media Ministry, a Yamaha Keyboard and microphones were purchased, and a Clavinova was added. New flooring was installed in the Pastor’s Office. For safety and security, Parking Attendants were on duty for services and events.
In the year 2017: The Building Committee was organized as follows: Pastor Corey J. Neal and Trustees members: Chairman Alto Spencer; Vice Chairman Tim Carter; Finance Director Darrin Lee; Deacon Michael Forte; DIT Keith Grier II; Tracy Strum; and Secretary Joyce Lee. The land loan was paid off.
In the year 2018: A Mortgage Burning Celebration Service was held to acknowledge paying off the land loan. A new Acrylic Podium and Collection Boxes were purchased for the Pastoral Anniversary.
In the year 2019: The church sign was placed on the newly purchased land. A new survey was distributed to ascertain ministries’ needs/desires in the building of the new church. The property behind the church, 2818 Baldwin Street, was demolished. To improve security, new uniforms were purchased for Parking Attendants.
In the year 2020: Pastor Corey J. Neal was elected Vice President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia (GMBC). The church participated in the feeding program on Saturday before each third Sunday, in partnership with Wynnton Hill Baptist Church, Nazareth Baptist Church, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, and Galilee Baptist Church. The Whole Person Ministries, Inc. – Men Act This Way Mentoring, Inc. received $134, 206 Community Reinvestment Federal Grant to support select schools through mentoring, providing food, and value-added programs. Continuing to upgrade the church, the sanctuary, fellowship hall, hallways, and choir loft, and the Teen Lounge were painted. LED and Strobe lights were installed in the sanctuary. New flooring was installed in the Foyer. New appliances installed were a Commercial Fridge, Commercial Freezer, and a Wolf Stove. In March, the church doors were closed because of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID -19), and services were conducted virtually. Communication was conducted primarily through ZOOM Meetings and through all social media platforms. Fortunately, the church received the Paycheck Protection Program loan, which allowed the church to keep our workforce employed during (COVID -19).
In the Year 2021-2023: The Paycheck Protection Program loan of $25,000 was forgiven. As part of outreach programs, the church participated in the Vaccination Drive -Thru at George Washington Carver High School. The Re-Entry Team planned and organized a system to prepare for the church’s re-opening on Father’s Day, June 20th, to include an online RSVP, temperature screening, seating for social distancing, masks, and sanitizing procedures. A portable fogger machine, masks, gloves, disinfectants, and other supplies to prevent COVID-19 were purchased. As part of the Media Ministry, an iMac Computer, EON Series Speaker, Stage Stands, Ceiling Bar for Mics, and lights were purchased.
As we peruse these pages of our church’s history, we should be grateful for those who set the standards for this great church through prayers and hard work. They have left an everlasting legacy for generations to come. They did not work for name recognition, but for the crown. Now, with faith in God, we look forward with confidence in the future.
From the Desk of the Pastor
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
— Psalm 126:3
To the Beloved Members, Friends, and Supporters of Greater Peace Baptist Church, Grace and peace to each of you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
With a grateful heart and deep appreciation, I greet you as we celebrate the 86th Church Anniversary of Greater Peace Baptist Church. What a mighty God we serve—who has sustained, strengthened, and secured us through every season, and whose faithfulness continues to guide our journey.
Eighty-six years ago, a few faithful believers gathered with a vision, a prayer, and a desire to build a place of worship, fellowship, and service. Out of humble beginnings, God birthed what we now know as Greater Peace—a church rooted in faith, anchored in love, and committed to kingdom impact. From small gatherings to growing ministries, God has been with us every step of the way.
As we reflect on our rich history, we cannot help but marvel at how God has brought us through trials and triumphs, times of lack and times of overflow. Generations have come and gone, but the mission has remained the same: to glorify God, to edify the saints, and to evangelize the lost. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way with prayer, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.
And yet, we believe the best is still ahead. We remain committed to progressing in faith, service, and impact as we look to the future. With God’s help, we will continue to expand our ministries, deepen our spiritual walk, engage our community, and reach new souls for Christ. We are not just celebrating a milestone—we are marching into a movement, declaring that Greater Peace will continue to be a beacon of light for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you are a lifelong member, a new member, or a cherished friend, your presence and prayers have made a difference. Let us continue to dream boldly, pray fervently, give generously, and serve faithfully, knowing that eyes have not seen, and ears have not heard the great things God has in store.
Happy 86th Anniversary, Greater Peace! To God be the glory for the things He has done—and for the greater things yet to come.
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Corey J. Neal Senior Pastor Greater Peace Baptist Church
