Today, we remember and give honor to God for the journey he has brought us through. We also recognize the Saints who served before us. Those who laid the groundwork of dedicated services, upon which we continually build.
In the year 1886, in a small community called Sandy Plain, a few of God's humble servants got together under a "Bush Shelter", and established a church now known as Greenleaf Christian Church. After a period, they were able to erect a small one-room building on a portion of land where the present sanctuary now stands.
In 1895, God gave us the leadership of Reverend C.R.D. Whitfield. Under his leadership, we grew and required more space; so after a storm damaged the structure, the men of the church tore down the building and built another one in ninety days. Reverend Whitfield retired in 1942 after forty-seven years of service. Some reports say that he baptized over 1200 persons into the Christian faith during his tenure. Reverend Whitfield was also a community leader, social justice advocate, and chief within the church of Disciples of Christ. Reverend E.F. Johnson became our pastor and served until 1944.
Progress was made in all areas of the church and plans were made for a new Sanctuary. From 1945-46, Reverend William Best served as pastor. In 1947, Reverend W.S. Keys became pastor and served for ten years with Reverend C.L. Parks as his assistant. It was under their leadership and guidance that the building program was completed. On the third Sunday in February 1952, we dedicated the new cinder blocked Sanctuary. Not long, after the sanctuary was dedicated J.W. Hood Lodge No. 8 laid the first cornerstone. Bishop James L Melvin was our pastor from 1956-1960; Reverend S.F. McMillan, 1960-1964; Bishop F.J. Matthews, 1965-1979; Reverend Levi E. Braswell, 1980-1984; Reverend Desmond Walker, 1984-1986 and Reverend Kenneth J. Matthews, 1986-1992.
In 1967, there was a split in the church over policy issues and a majority of the membership voted for the church to remove itself from the Goldsboro/Raleigh Assembly and covenant with the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in NC. Though the split represents a difficult time in the history of Greenleaf, the grace of God sustained the church to continue to move forward. We purchased property around us, planned and constructed an Education Building, conducted a Child Development Program for two years, made $12,000 in improvements to the old sanctuary with new furniture and facility upgrades. We embarked upon plans for the Sanctuary that now stands. In August 1979, we stretched out on faith by becoming a Station Church, having service every Sunday. In 1985, the following Functional committees were organized: Community and World Outreach, Membership, Christian Education, and Stewardship and Finance. In November 1986, we celebrated our Centennial Church Anniversary. We set the final steps in motion to begin the construction of a new Sanctuary.
On the first Sunday in March 1987, by faith we left the old Sanctuary and marched into the new Sanctuary. The dedication service was held on the first Sunday in April. On June 7, 1987 the J.W. Hood Lodge No. 8 laid the second cornerstone.
During 1988, God blessed us with the ability to purchase a piece of land adjacent to the church. We conducted many programs, seminars and services that aided in our shaping toward the Master's will. We purchased and dedicated Hymnals and Bibles and renovated the Fellowship Hall in 1990. During this time, many members and families of the church purchased and or provided furniture, windows, and capital needs for the church. Numerous families bought insurance policies and made the church the beneficiary. Deacon C. Earl Davis and Family purchased a portion of the lot adjacent to the church and deeded it to the church.
In 1991, Minister Shryl Hinnant began the Ladies Prayer Bible Brunch, which was held on the second Saturday of the month.
On June 12, 1993, a call was extended to Reverend William J. Barber II. From 1993 until the present using the gifts, God has provided through the grace of Jesus Christ.. Through the leadership of Pastor Barber and support of the church membership, we have been able to accomplish many things for the Kingdom of God. Through evangelism, the membership has grown from 249 in 1993 to 421 in 2005. We have had more than a 100% increase in tithes and offerings. We changed our youth Sunday School curriculum to The Afro Centric Urban Ministry curriculum, which includes all people. Our Bible study attendance has steadily grown due to the development of a systematic theme approach to studying the bible. A daily congregational prayer (6 a.m. & 10 p.m.) was established, which is an outgrowth of the noonday prayer, established by Mother Beulah Barnes; through which we have seen God answer many prayers. Many Christian Life Enrichment Series have been established and given on a monthly basis.
During 1996, the church completed the payment of the Sanctuary loan 13 years ahead of schedule. We instituted the Rebuilding Broken Places Community Development Cooperation. We developed the Church's Seven Point Vision. The Consecrated-Components include:
1. Worship
2. Evangelism
3. Spiritual Development/ Leadership Training
4. Congregational Reorganization
5. Outreach
6. Education
7. Community Development
The following is a short list of new ministries established or reorganized; Education Ministry, Cancer Support Ministry, Unity Mass Choir, Clothing and Furniture Ministry, Project YESS, tutorial program, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops, Naomi/Ruth Christian Women Fellowship, Eldad/Medad Christian Men Fellowship , Senior Ministry, Praise Team, Liturgical Dance Ministry (Anointed Purpose), Consecration, Teaching Ministry, G.A.N.G (God's Anointed New Generation), and GAP (God Always Provide Ministry, Female mentoring) .
Greenleaf Christian Church fought for fairness in education by being a major supporter in the fight for fairness and public education. Reverend Jesse Jackson visited our church in support of the community's efforts. The church has consistently remained socially active on behalf of the least of these in our community.
In 1997, the church negotiated the purchase of a five and a half acres track of land and a 26,000 sq. ft building to house a fellowship hall and new ministries, to include: a preschool, job/computer training center, and an office for Rebuilding Broken Places CDC.
During 1999, Rebuilding Broken Places (CDC), an outgrowth of Greenleaf Christian Church was granted 501 (c) 3 status. In the old Greenleaf Community, this ministry leads in Christian, economic, and community development. Projects will include: business development, development of single-family housing and housing for moderate to low incomes, job training and computer literacy as well as other initiatives. We have received over $600,000 in initial grants for capacity and the church has invested more than a million and half dollars toward community development.
These efforts have led to the establishment of the Greenleaf Vision of Faith Community Center, Rebuilding Broken Places Christian Academy, computer job skills training, Faith Estates Housing Development, Willing to Touch HIV Aids Initiative, and NBA Greenleaf Grace Village Senior Housing Development. In total, Greenleaf Christian Church and Rebuilding Broken Places CDC have led to the development of over 7 million dollars of assets specifically designed to help the poor and the needy.
In 2003, we completed the third addition to the church, which included an educational wing and administrative office. In 2004, after consecrating our tithes, the noonday prayer group led by Deacon Helen Best walking and anointing the land and initiating a vision of the Pastors' entitled "Gideonite Seed Sowing Campaign", which was chaired by Sis. Charmeine Turner, Program Ministry Chair, and Sis. Dixie Barnes, Membership Ministry. We raised more than $30,000. On the 118th Anniversary, after years of being denied the opportunity to purchase property, the church purchased the entire tract of land adjacent to the church. In word and deed, the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to be profoundly declared.
Our Local Associate Ministers are: Minister Joe Barnes, Minister Shryl H. Uzzell, Minister Katherine Townsend, and. Rev. Christopher Hearn. Other ministers' birth from this congregation include: Elder Sherman Best, Minister Linda Horne, Minister Mary Barnes, and Minister Richard Brunette. Minister Jennifer Kotler, University Chicago, and Minister Christopher Furr, Duke University, have served as student interns.
Our current Deacons are Rebecca Barber, Cary Barnes, Janice Barnes, John Barnes, Junious Best, Gloria Best, Helen Best, Thaddeus Best, Thelma Best, Archibald Black, Christine Crank, Pierce D. Crank, Bernetta Davis, C. Earl Davis, Robin, DeVeaux, Annie Dukes, Carrie Mae Faison, James Harris, Rochelle Herring, Bobby Jones, Jessie Lewis, Athenia Moses, Gerald Simmons, Madie Smith, Jean Townsend, and Roger Wilson. Emeritus mothers include: Bessie Parks and Eunice Thompson.
Our current Trustees are Barbara Murrain, George Murrain, John Barnes, Junious Best, Thaddeus Best, Pierce D. Crank, C. Earl Davis, Archibald Black, Gary Barnes, Dexter Sims, Sylvia Barnes, Curtis Meadows Jr., Ruby Simmons, Cary Barnes, and Wilbur Barnes. Emeritus Trustee, James Harris.
We have come this far by faith from a small "Bush Shelter" congregation founded by a committed people some of who where even former slaves. We trust we will never forget the road over which we have traveled. We hope that we never forget to give God the glory and the praise for permitting us to be instrumental in doing His will. We are a church who understands that everybody is somebody. While a few names are mentioned in the brief history, we are all listed on the great roll call of faith. It is true that it has taken every member to contribute in the make up of the great clouds of witnesses that have been a part of our journey in faith. May this church stand in the years to come as it has stood these past 119 years. A living monument of faith, and a witness of a Savior who died that all may find the way of salvation and life. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
