The Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church was organized on January 23, 1972, at the New Christian Union Baptist Church at 260 W. 66th Street in Chicago, Illinois. At that meeting seven charter members were present. They were Rev. Roosevelt Lewis, Julia Macintosh, Henry & Lee-Dora Dabney, Juanita Lewis, James Ola Tillis, and James Kimber. Those seven should always be remembered for their insight. Rev. Roosevelt Lewis was elected as pastor.
As time moved on and God continued to bless, The Greater Mount Pleasant M.B. Church moved into their new location at 8936 S. Cottage Grove on February 13, 1972. During the remainder of the year, 300 additional members were added and soon a new church was needed. At that time, members donated $200.00 towards a Building Fund Drive and the United Faith Choir held a concert at Orchestra Hall to help purchase GMP’s new and present edifice at 2100 E. 83rd street and marched in on November 11, 1973. The United Faith Choir held another Concert at Orchestra Hall and A Wall Plaque was secured through $25.00 donations by members. In 1974, a 6,000.00 Baby Grand Piano was purchased. Many accomplishments were made under Pastor Roosevelt Lewis, for which we Thank God!
November of 1975, Rev. Charles Lee Jr. was called to Pastor and remained until February of 1981, at such time the church encountered and survived a split. Under Pastor Lee, a Church Bus and Van were purchased, also the edifice as was remodeled. Many other accomplishments and more members were also added to the family, for which we Thank God!
In May of 1981, Rev. Steve Jones was called to Pastor the church. His task was difficult with the recent split, but with God in front and a praying membership, the church gained many more members. He led a membership drive with “They will not come, they must be brought; they will not learn, they must be taught”. The church was once again on the move both spiritually and financially. In 1986, the kitchen, dining room, and rest rooms were remodeled. On the 5th Sunday of May 1993, Pastor Jones finished his work at GMP and left to organize another church. Many accomplishments were made under Pastor Jones for which we Thank God!
April 23, 1994, Rev. Benjamin Franklin was called to Pastor GMP and under his leadership many improvements to the building were made. The church front was remodeled in 1998. Pastor Franklin’s leadership at GMP came to an end in October of 2001. Many accomplishments were made under Pastor Franklin for which we Thank God!
February 23, 2002, Rev. Deon B. White accepted the calling of Pastor at GMP. Pastor White resigned as Pastor April 2009. Under His leadership, many members were added to the roll and other accomplishments made for which we Thank God!
April 16, 2011, The Reverend Derrick P. Garth was called to GMP. Pastor Garth came to us embracing the 3 cardinal principals of Love, Accountability, and Integrity. Pastor Garth instantly came in rolled up his sleeves making much needed repairs and enhancements (Including new heating and cooling systems). In these 14 years the membership has experienced several significant spikes but moreover we have grown spiritually, and financially. 2020 introduced a new complexity to our worship experience as the world was faced with a pandemic. Pandemic pressures have challenged many of us, but we are still moving forward.
This is just a glimpse of what Faith in God can do.
God is not finished yet He still has great things in store for GMP.
Come Grow With Us!!!
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Connect - Grow - Serve - Share - Honor
At The Greater Mt. Pleasant Church, we believe that every church should share a Universal Mission Statement. Therefore, we have embraced 5 elements that come from the great commission and commandment found in Matthew chapter 28.
“We, the members of The Greater Mt. Pleasant Church will CONNECT with one another and our community, GROW in our relationship with God as well as others, SERVE one another with the love of Christ, SHARE that same love with the world personally, locally, and globally, and HONOR our heavenly Father by the way we live our lives.”
We are a vibrant Church that exists to give God glory through Jesus Christ. We are committed to equipping Christians through biblical preaching and teaching of God’s word. Our three cardinal principles are Love, Accountability, and Integrity.
We are committed…
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Worshiping God in Spirit and truth
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Empowerment of individuals, couples, and families to discover the power of the Holy Spirit through faith.
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Placing value in diversity by being committed to all people.
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Receiving directions from the Holy Spirit, as we are more concerned with effectiveness in ministry than traditionalism.
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Growth as the opportunity to increase each person’s confidence and joy in Jesus Christ through prayer, bible study and through active service in church, community, and world.