Church History
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be Light, and there was light.”
This beautiful Biblical passage is rather apropos to the historical journey of Greater Jehovah Baptist Church, Grantville, Georgia. For as God in His omnipotence gave light to the world, the establishment and later accomplishments of this church have served to spread the seed of brotherhood/sisterhood; bring a smile to the face of little children; assist needy young adults in realizing their educational aspirations; assist the needy, and finally to promote a deeper understanding of the Word of God for both the saved and the unsaved.
In the year 1881, the Grantville Colored Baptist Church was established. Early meetings were held in a vacant building known as “Colley Loan Company.” It was here that the Reverend Daniel Williams, Sister Carrie Jennings, Brother Albert Clayton, Brother Snadon Barner, Brother Andrew Jenkins, and Sister Mariah Black set about formulating plans which would permit the realization of their objective—the building of Jehovah Baptist Church.
On September 5, 1884 the Grantville Colored Baptist Church, its trustees, Daniel Williams, his heirs and assigns, for the sum of five dollars a plot of land was indentured. Said plot of land was given to Daniel Williams for his services as Pastor of the church. The church building was completed during the period 1884-1907.
The Reverend Daniel Williams was the Founder of Jehovah Baptist Church; Sister Carrie Jennings was the first Deacon. In the year of 1929, the second church was built and the name changed to the Greater Jehovah Baptist Church.
Over the years, these men have served the Lord as Pastor: Daniel Williams (1884-1907), J. J. Griswald (1907-1919), E. D. Florence (1919-1937), J. H. Daniel (1937-1940), C. R. Sheridan (1940-1952), J. E. Cameron (1952-1964), B. J. Davis (1964-1985), J. Jennings (1985-1992), O. W. Wells (1992-1999), B. J. (2000-2003), C. L. McCambry (2003- ). Additionally, God has provided a number of men who have served as interim pastor and as assistants.
Down through the years the leadership and members of this great church have continually emphasized that the church is not just mortar and Bricks. Instead, it is the life of all believers who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. He is the Way, Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
As the membership of Greater Jehovah seek to fulfill our Great Commission Purpose, our family of faith continues to expand upon that strong foundation which is Jesus Christ. Upon this Rock, we will build His Church. The gates of Hell will not stand against it (Matthew 16:18).
