Greater Eleazer Baptist Church and Dedication

---

This church history is dedicated to the many men and women who has helped to shape the history of this wonderful church; Many who have met their Master face to face in Heaven and those who still working in His vineyard given themselves to the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our church conception began formerly known as the Lighthouse Baptist Church. During the latter part of 1967 Rev. Jack Moore was called to pastorage. Under his leadership the name was changed from Lighthouse Baptist Church to Greater Eleazer Baptist Church and a new building was erected which was not completed. 

Rev. S.J. Williams was involved in the work of the church, tearing down of the old building and donating his time and over $1200 worth of materials toward the completion of this building.

On October 10, 1970, Rev. S.J. Williams was called to pastor and during this time we had not completed our building project and was in debt with only a remnant who remained. God and His favor blessed us with 12 new members within one month and consistently over time during which we paid and burned the note in three years, Glory to God!

There were no choir, deacon staff, secretary or treasurer in place only one usher whom later left. Thanks be to God He later blessed us with four choirs; Senior choir, Male chorus, Young Adult choir, Robert E. Dowell Youth Choir followed and four dedicated musicians, eight God-fearing deacons, senior, young adult and Jr. ushers. 

Later a financial staff was formed that love the Lord with a host of members who loved one another.--- New pews, a remodeled dining room along with other adjustments were put into place, needless to say we were one big happy household of faith who gave all praises to God for His blessing then and now. 

In December 1989 our beloved Pastor S.J. Williams suddenly fell ill and was laid to rest January 8, 1990, but not without leaving us with a legacy of love of Christ through loving our brother. Left to hold up the banner were three God-fearing ministers and a very strong deacon board who for five months bind together in supplication and prayer with the guidance of the Lord was led to endow Rev. Robert E. Dowell as the new shepherd to lead His flock in June 1990. 

Pastor Dowell proved to be a God-fearing, spirit filled dedicated leader with a commitment to Christ to lead His people. Under his leadership hundreds of new souls were added to the fold that shared the same love for the Lord and willingness to work in any capacity within the church. Among these were added more deacons, a secretary, missionaries, musicians, singers, teachers, leaders, preachers and other organizations committed to the Services of God.

After some years the church building was filled to capacity and Pastor Dowell begin plans for a new edifice and took our needs before the Lord. After much prayer, pain, strife, hardship, hard work, dedication and love; it came to pass and we moved into our new building on July 30, 1995. Also in 2004 a new building of the Fellowship Hall with classrooms and dining room was completed and celebrated.

On February 15, 2004 Greater Eleazer held a dedication service to commemorate the vision. Since then the fellowship has enjoyed an abundance of blessings, networking with other visionaries and leaders, community outreach and services.

On March 3, 2017 our hearts were heavy at the passing of our beloved Pastor Robert E. Dowell through illness was suddenly called home Into the Masters arms. Leaving behind a legacy of commitment and dedication that will always be rooted and etched in the hearts of the Greater Eleazer family forever.

Later that year the church pulled together again in seeking Gods directions for a new shepherd and soon formed a search committee of six. The committee with one accord agreed to begin this search process within the confines of the church and after a month of prayer and meetings a vote was cast followed by an election to elect our very own Rev. Lawrence R. Barrett as Senior Pastor of Greater Eleazer Baptist Church.

Pastor Barrett was installed on August 20, 2017 and since others have joined under his vision...

"To see our church grow in biblical education and training; A driving force in our community and outreach serving the homeless, elderly, disable and the lost; shared by the love of God for us through us with others."