Church History

In 1938, a small group of baptized believers, guided by the spiritual leadership of Rev. S. M. Hansberry, founded Ebenezer Baptist Church at 3333 Holman Avenue. Just two years later, in 1940, Pastor Hansberry led the congregation in purchasing a lot at 3347 Holman Avenue, where they built their first church building.

In October 1942, Rev. Hansberry was called to serve a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. By December 20, 1942, Ebenezer Baptist Church welcomed Rev. G. H. Shedd as their new pastor. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth and development. On August 9, 1968, the congregation moved to a new location at 6531 Beekman Road and was renamed Greater St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church.

After 37 years of faithful service, Pastor Shedd was called home to be with the Lord on June 10, 1979. Later that year, on August 27, 1979, Rev. Malcolm S. Williams was appointed as the new pastor. His tenure lasted until March 16, 1986, when he announced his resignation. Rev. Willie Ray Davis was then called to lead the congregation on August 19, 1986, at 8:30 pm. He served diligently for 20 years before resigning on December 10, 2006.

Following Pastor Davis's resignation, the Board of Directors assumed responsibility for church administration, worship services, and Christian education. On February 10, 2008, Rev. Warren Ray was installed as the new pastor. Unfortunately, due to illness, Pastor Ray resigned in August 2016 and passed away in November 2018. During this transitional period, the Board of Directors once again took on the church's administrative duties, and a Pastoral Search Committee was formed.

On September 30, 2017, the church held an election for the position of pastor, resulting in the election of Arthur L. Williams. Rev. Arthur L. Williams was officially installed as pastor on February 18, 2018. Under Pastor Williams's leadership, Greater St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church continues to thrive, adopting the new church motto, "We are Building Better People from the Inside Out," on October 17, 2021, marking his fourth year as pastor. Today, the church remains committed to spiritual growth and community service, following the path laid out by its dedicated leaders over the years.