CHURCH HISTORY
The Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was organized on June 18, 1913 by Rev. D. Hartmond, on a lot not far from Wilburforce St. under a brush arbor. Rev. Hartmond served as pastor for one year.
In 1914 Rev. W.M. Parker was called to pastor the church. Pastor Parker and the congregation moved to a small building on Cohn Street. At this time there were only two (2) churches in Acres Homes, one Baptist Galilee Missionary Baptist and one Methodist Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal. Galilee worshiped in the building each 2nd and 4th Sunday and Ward Chapel worshiped each 1st and 3rd Sunday.
During Pastor Parker’s tenure, the church moved to its present site which was then 6616 Sherwin Street a 10x10 – 100 square ft. building was erected. Trustees were; Lee Turner, Jacob Richardson, and John Spencer. Rev. W.M. Parker served for four years as pastor.
In 1918 Rev. W.H. Sanders was called to pastor and the church was enlarged to a 10x20 – 200 square ft. building.
In 1920 Rev. Wilton H. Haynes was called to pastor and the church was again enlarged to 15x20 – 300 square ft. Deacons who served with these pastors were: Brothers; Lee Turner, Silas Hayes, John Spencer, George Keener, Jacob Robinson and Green Stewart. In 1921 Rev. E.L. Hurd was called to pastor. Pastor Hurd served for six months.
In 1921 Rev. Jack C. Smith was called to pastor the Galilee congregation. During pastor Smith’s tenure of service the church building was enlarged to a 20x30 – 600 square ft. building. Membership more than quadrupled from 35 members to one hundred and eighty five. Pastor Smith served the Galilee family for twenty six (26) years he retired from the ministry in 1947 serving from 1921- 1947.
Deacons who served with pastor Smith were: Brothers; Green Stewart, Ralph Burleson, E. Grant, Tom Phillips, Plassie Woods, Teate Allen, Accie Booker,Sr., Reber Jackson, Riley Johnson and Alfred Johnson.
In April 1947 Rev. Dionishious S. Bailey was called to pastor. The church membership experienced more growth. In 1948 the church was rebuilt due to damage sustained from a fire. Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, Pastor Bailey with the support of the Galilee deacons and with the church membership rebuilt the church increasing its size to 30x65 – 1950 square ft. Trustees were added: Brothers; William Sheffield, H.B. Turner, Marcus Johnson, Sr., Clem Jones, Jessie Lewis, George Hunter, George Johnson, Jr., Bruce Johnson, Clarence Roberts and Charlie Johnson. More deacons were ordained: Brothers; Atwood Farris, H.D. Jones, Tom Dogan, Jessie Harrison, Albert Davis, Lee B. Yates and Howard Overshown, Sr.
In 1961 after serving as pastor for fourteen (14) years, Pastor D.S. Bailey again under the guidance of The Holy Spirit and with the support and leadership of the deacons, trustees and the church membership a new 5900 square feet sanctuary was built. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was forty-eight years in the making at this time (1913-1961). Church membership continued to flourish with all auxiliaries fully organized. After moving into the new sanctuary in 1961 more deacons were ordained: Brothers; Lee Shepherd and Chester McKay. In 1974 many more trustees were appointed: Brothers; Sam Kallie, Arnold Collins, George Johnson III, Lee Eddie Lewis, Carl Carter and another brother by the name of Clarence Roberts who also served as Chairman of trustees, James Bailey, Robert Grant, Eugene Frank, E.L. Cole, Ransom Craddock, Johnnie Collins, E.V. Grant, Howard Overshown, Jr. and Freddie White. On April 16, 1976 Brother Arthur Lewis was ordained as a deacon brother Lewis served as Sunday school Superintendent for twenty six (26) years, Bro. Cornelius Wilkerson served as superintendent and Bro. Guy Johnson served as assistant superintendent. In 2008 Bro. Guy Johnson became Sunday School Superintendent.
On March 9, 1977 GOD called Pastor D.S. Bailey to eternal rest. Rev. Bailey preached his last sermon on Sunday March 6, 1977. Rev. Bailey was a great pastor and a well-read bible scholar. A very vital chapter of Galilee’s history was ended, but never to be forgotten. Rev. D.S. Bailey served as pastor of Galilee for thirty (30) years from 1947-1977.
In October 1977 Rev. Earnest J. Booker was called to pastor. During his tenure of service eleven (11) more deacons were ordained: Brothers; Frank Bracks, Emanual Law, Genoa Freeman, Aaron Campbell, Clarence Roberts, James Gulley, Cornelius Wilkerson, Solomon Cheney, Joseph York, Sylvester Grant and James Osborne. Trustees were: John Smith, Clayton Wright and James Hall.
In 1978 Sister Beulah Shepherd launched a campaign to change the name of Sherwin Street to D.S. Bailey Lane after a great deal of effort by Sis. Shepherd, all the residents on Sherwin Street signed the petition. Sister Beulah Shepherd presented the signed petitions to Mayor Jim Mc Conn and the Houston City Council requesting the name change.
On April 25, 1979 the ordinance was passed to change the name of Sherwin Street to D.S. Bailey Lane. The members of Galilee believed that Rev. D.S. Bailey was a well deserving pastor to receive such an honor. He devoted so much of his time to Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and to the Acres Homes community.
On September 4, 1987, after serving as pastor of Galilee for ten (10) years, Rev. Earnest J. Booker tendered his letter of resignation to the chairman of the deacons, Bro. Ralph Burleson and the Galilee Baptist Church. Reverend Booker stated in his letter, “It is time for me to move on, my prayer is that Galilee will find the right man to carry the church to even higher heights.” Chairman of the Deacons Ralph Burleson declared the pulpit vacant.
September 9, 1987 a pastor’s selection committee was formed Deacon Arthur Lewis served as chairman of the committee, members were: Deacons & brothers; James Osborne, Lee Shepherd, Turner Hector and Lee Eddie Lewis along with sisters; Judy Wilson, Betty Freeman, and Beulah Shepherd. The selection committee was inundated with resumes and requests for this appointment. Operating under the supervision and guidance of the Moderator of The Independent Missionary Baptist General Association of Texas, Rev. E. Stanley Branch the committee worked diligently to keep the church unified. After evaluating and assessing all resumes two names were submitted to the church body they were; Rev. James C. Carrington, Jr. and Rev. Edwin Allen Davis. On November 15, 1987, Rev. James C. Carrington preached the eleven A.M. service and at three thirty P.M. Rev. E.A. Davis preached the never to be forgotten sermon entitled, “Boomerang” from the book of Esther. On November 22, 1987 (one week later) Rev. Edwin Allen Davis was chosen to be the 9th pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.
On the first Sunday December 6, 1987 Rev. Edwin Allen Davis preached his first sermon as pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.
There have been numerous brothers who have confessed their call to the ministry while serving during the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Davis and there are those who have joined that had been called when they joined Galilee they are Reverends; Willie Arnold, Sr., Caaron Fitzgerald, Dennis Fuller, Earl Hagger, Terry Hickerson, David Wesley Mitchell, Dorian Newton, Charles Richmond, Clifford Roberson, Clayton Wright, Joseph Gordon, Willie Johnson and Arthur Lewis. Also Reverends; Thomas Foster, James Ginns, Ivory Soileau, Reginald Rouzan, Charles Thomas, Joseph Spell, Lionel Taylor, Charles Thomas, Willie Thomas, Paul Veazie, Alburnis Pineset, Fred Sanders, III, Steven Holloway, Vincent Johnson, , Kenneth McQueen, Rev. Terry Jackson, Rev. Moses Wadell, Rev. Lonnie Williams, and Dr. Lloyd Roberts all of these men are presently serving or they have served as associate ministers at Galilee.
Sons of Galilee who now serve or have served as pastors in Houston and surrounding areas are; Rev. Charles Richmond Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Fred Sanders, III Pastor of Cliffdale Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Cliffford Meachum Pastor of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Reginald Rouzan Pastor of Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Dennis Fuller Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church and Rev. Charles Thomas Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bellville, Texas.
Ordained deacons serving with Pastor Davis are brothers; Elmer Sapp, William Johnson, Dwaine Davis, and Marvin Gross. Ten deacons have been ordained by Pastor Davis, they are; Brothers Willie Arnold, Sr., Turner Hector, Guy Johnson, Ira Lott, Abrian Nelson, John Smith, Roman Spiller, Sr. , Ronnie Steptoe, Sr., Clifford Miller and Dwan Seaton. Eleven trustees have been appointed they are brothers; Jimmy Branch, Jr., James Harrison, Howard Mitchell, Morris Thomas, Saul Austin, Sidney Stewart, James Simmons, Carvis Junious, Averiest Gilliam, Gary Mitchell and Dwight Allen.
On October 18, 1991 Brother Ralph Burleson, Chairman of the deacon board was called to his heavenly reward. Brother Alfred Johnson was appointed to the position of chairman of the deacon board.
In 1992, acting upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the trustees Bro. Arnold Collins, and with the church membership’s approval, Sister Beulah Shepherd, presented a petition to Mayor Kathy Whitmire and the Houston City Council requesting that Holly Street be changed to Burleson Street. The only residents on Holly Street at the time were Deacon and Sister Arthur & Mary Lewis, who immediately signed the petition and on May 1, 1992 the ordinance was passed and Holly Street became Burleson Street. Brother Burleson was honored by the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church family in this manner to express our sincere appreciation for all that Brother Burleson had done as a dedicated member of Galilee.
In 1992 under the guidance of THE HOLY SPIRIT, Pastor Davis with the support of the official staff directed the construction of a 3700 square feet fellowship hall increasing the size of the church to 9600 sq feet and construction was completed in 1993. On Sunday February 28, 1993 a New Building Annex Dedication Service was held the theme “Look at what the Lord has done.” The fifteen year mortgage for the construction of the fellowship hall was paid in four and a half years ten and a half years in advance, a mortgage burning ceremony was held on September 14, 1997.
In July 1996 chairman of the deacon board Bro. Alfred Johnson was called to his heavenly rest. Many will always remember Bro. Johnson’s passionate plea for all members to partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Bro. Genoa Freeman was appointed to the position of Chairman of the deacon board and Deacon Freeman served until his health would no longer allow. Bro. Roman Spiller, Sr. served as Director of Deacons. Later Bro. John Smith was appointed Director. In 2006 Bro. Ira Lott was appointed as Director of Deacons. Deacon Emeritus Chairman Genoa Freeman passed away on February 24, 2007.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church has experienced tremendous growth both physically and spiritually with unwavering faith in God and dedicated and committed deacons and trustees Pastor Davis has overseen the construction and completion of a 15,964 square feet, 860 seat sanctuary. Construction began in August 2002 and was completed on July 23, 2003 this addition increased the size of the complete church complex to 19,664 square feet. Weekly services, choir rehearsal, bible study, prayer and teachers’ meetings were conducted in the new sanctuary during the week of July 28th. The first church services were conducted on August 3rd, 2003 beginning at 7:30 A.M.
On September 14th, 2003 the congregation celebrated Galilee’s 90th anniversary, and formally entered into and dedicated our new Edifice. It was truly a grand event, the theme “The Vision Revealed now fulfilled” reference scripture taken from Proverbs 29:18 “ Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.”
On June 6, 2005 the church purchased through the Harris County Constable’s public auction, the lots directly behind the church at 6625 Couch Street for additional parking. The church continues to acquire additional properties as they become available through purchases from individual owners or the Harris County Auction process to accommodate the constant demand for additional parking due to the continuous increase in church membership. In June 2006, after the death of church treasurer Brother Howard Mitchell, Brother Carvis Junious was assigned to the position as the church business manager and in November 2008 he was appointed as a trustee. Continuing the land acquisition process, since 2000, Pastor Davis and Bro. Junious along with the deacons and trustees of Galilee have worked conscientiously to purchase a total of 19 parcels of property in and around the immediate area of the church with a total market and appraised value of in excess of $1.5 million.
On September 10, 2006 as part of the celebration of the 93rd anniversary of Galilee Chairperson Sister Lola Mauldin initiated the tradition of recognizing members with fifty years or more of service at Galilee twenty eight members were honored and each member was awarded a plaque. A plaque was installed in the church foyer with the names of member past and present.
March 18, 2007 Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was recognized as the oldest African American Baptist Church in Acres Homes. The State of Texas and The Harris County Historical commission representatives
Mrs. Debra Blacklock Sloan and Peter Van Pelt presented Galilee with a Historical Marker. The Historical marker was installed on March 16, 2007 by deacons: Ira Lott, Abrian Nelson, Elmer Sapp and trustees Sidney Stewart and Saul Austin. On March 18th the Official State of Texas Historical Marker Dedicatory Ceremony was held. An unveiling ceremony was performed at the site of the Historical Marker which was installed at the D.S. Bailey Street entrance to the church. This historic landmark represents the fruit of laborers from generation to generation who were and who continue to be committed to demonstrating the Kingdom of God to the world. The membership has shown its trust and faith in God by following the vision and leadership that God has given for the emergence of Galilee.
The 94th church anniversary was celebrated on September 9, 2007 the theme, “The church That Jesus Built.” Continuing in the tradition of recognizing members with fifty years or more of service two more member were recognized they were; Sister Fearlease Johnson and Sister Rosslyn Jordan.
Galilee 95th church anniversary was scheduled to be celebrated on September 14th 2008 and continuing the tradition of recognizing members with 50 years or more of service two more members, Deacon Turner Hector and Bro. Joseph Scott obtained this milestone.
In the early morning hours of Saturday September 13th hurricane Ike hit Houston. Hurricane Ike destroyed Galveston Island and many of the eastern Texas coast line cities. Hurricane Ike was a category two storm however the winds were that of a category four storm, because of the storm’s odd configuration, the winds brought huge waves and very high surge to the coast. Ike’s maximum sustained winds were near 80 miles per hour with higher gusts. We were unable to celebrate our church’s 95th anniversary, many of the congregants sustained major wind damage to their homes and personal properties. Flooding caused water damage to homes and property and many residents were without electrical power to their homes from two to four weeks due to uprooted trees lying on power lines and many power lines and poles were destroyed by the tempestuous winds caused by Hurricane Ike. Galilee’s electrical power was restored after seven days of being out, the church building sustained minor water damage and church services resumed on September 21, 2008. The Sermon: “When Jesus Saves the Day” was the message delivered by Pastor E.A. Davis. The main thrust of every worship service at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church is the preaching of the gospel directly from the word of God.
On November 4th 2008 CHANGE was ushered into the United States of America when, we the citizens of America elected our first African American, Senator Barack Hussein Obama to the highest office in America we the citizens elected him to the office of President; The 44th President of the United States of America, President Barrack Hussein Obama. President Obama’s election marked an unprecedented step forward in American history shattering racial barriers and forever altering the political landscape.
The new era that began in 1987 under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Edwin Davis continues and God continues to bless our church. Our pastor and our first lady Dr. Charlotte Davis were invited and attended the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2009 they were among the two million plus people who attended this historic event.
On April 24th Galilee hosted our annual Music & Arts Symposium featuring the GMBC Mass Choir accompanied by nationally renowned Gospel Music Arts, composer, performer, producer and a Stellar and Dove award winner Mr. Kurt Carr.
Each year during the first week of August The youth/Young Adult Ministry of Galilee host a “Back to School Revival”. Since 2006 our special guest speaker has been Reverend Bertrand Bailey, Jr., Pastor of The Greater Bible Way Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Each year the church is filled to capacity with the youth of Galilee and youth from the community and surrounding areas as well as young adults and others. This annual event is always eagerly anticipated by members and friends.
On March 8, 2013 Trustee Brother Saul Austin, Jr. was called by God to his heavenly reward.
Bro. Averiest Gilliam was appointed to the position of church trustee.
On September 8, 2013 Galilee Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 100 years of service to the community. This centennial celebration was an extravagant affair and the occasion was very well attended and supported by the Acres Homes Community. Plans for The E.A. Davis Community Fitness and Multi- Service Center were unveiled. Construction is to begin in the near future.
January 2014 two deacons were added by Pastor Davis, they are Brother Earl Simmons and Brother Dwight Washington.
On December 3, 2017 God’s provision for paying off the sanctuary was realized. A “Mortgage Burning” ceremony was held and the members of Galilee celebrated the mortgage for our sanctuary being paid in full in 14 ½ years.
On January 15, 2023 two deacons were added by Pastor Davis, they are Brother Dwan Seaton and Brother Clifford Miller. Likewise, two trustees were appointed, they are Brother Dwight Allen and Brother Gary Mitchell.
On November 05, 2023 Pastor Davis, appointed Dr. Carvis Junious as Director of Trustees and Deacon William Johnson as Director of Deacons....("...and what they need most of all, is not for you to run and complain to them; they need your prayers...as they stay focused on the job that's before them, Amen." - Dr. Edwin A. Davis, Pastor).
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a church it is a fellowship of believers coming together to declare the Glory of the Lord and to celebrate Jesus as King. The Galilee legacy has been set in motion since 1913 by Christians from generation to generation.
Galilee continues to be an aggressive church with a passion for saving souls embracing a legacy of acceptance of all who desire to become a part of the “Body of Christ”, with a zeal for service we look forward to a new chapter in the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church story.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church a Historical Landmark reflects the labor and love of Christians from generation to generation who were and who are committed to demonstrating the Kingdom of God to the world. The congregation has shown its trust and faith in God by following the vision and leadership that God has given us for the emergence of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Acres Homes. Galilee Missionary Baptist church continues to stand as a Beacon in the community illuminating the spirit of faith, hope, love and strength in Jesus Christ.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a church it is a fellowship of believers coming together to declare the Glory of the Lord and to celebrate Jesus as King. The Galilee legacy has been set in motion since 1913 by Christians from generation to generation. On September 8, 2013 Galilee Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 100 years of service to the community. This centennial celebration was ab extravagant affair and the occasion was very well attended. We are looking to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.
Now 110 years old Galilee Missionary Baptist Church continues to be that Beacon in the community illuminating the spirit of faith, hope, love and strength in Jesus Christ.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
The Church where JESUS is LORD and HIS word is supreme.
Reprinted 9/10/1997 By Trustee Howard Mitchell under the guidance of Deacon Arthur Lewis
Amended and put in chronological order 6/30/2001 to be used in the Acres Homes Landmark Archives by Sister Linda Austin and Sister Martha Branch.
December 2008 Sister Linda Austin assigned to the position of Church Historian.
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