"This Far by FAITH"
On February 28, 1954, a group of people met in the St. George Hall, located at
24th & Grove Streets in Oakland, California. Among those persons present were seven pioneers: Rev. S. E. Diggens; Oliver McFarland, Joseph Harrison; Edmund Howard, George James, Samuel Mence; and Felton Miles. The Moderator of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Educational Association and other ministers were asked to come and organize this church, which was named: "Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church". The doors of the church were extended for acceptance of members. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) persons joined in that first service. The late Reverend Joseph P. Reed was elected as Pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued services in the St. George Hall, then moved to 8th and Myrtle Streets, Oakland. In October 1954, the Church purchased the site at
721 Filbert Street in Oakland and remained at that location until August 1961.
In October 1957, Pastor Reed returned to his home in Kansas City, Missouri. From January to April 1958, Reverend V. M. Bailey was our Pastor until Reverend Reed returned. When Reverend Reed became ill, Reverend Milton Wise carried on the pulpit.
On August 18, 1961, Greater St. Paul purchased the site at 916 Brush Street. On
September 2, 1967, Reverend Reed passed on to his Eternal Reward.
In July 1968, Reverend Samuel J. Scott was called as Pastor of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, and in 1971, the current location was purchased.
On January 26, 1981, Reverend Scott resigned after 12 years. Reverend
G. E. Carter carried on in the pulpit from February to August 1981.
August 1981, Reverend W. H. Sanders was elected Pastor, and
served for seven months. Reverend Gordon Porter carried the
pulpit until Reverend Scott returned in September 1982.
On October 11, 1992, Reverend Scott passed on. He served Greater St. Paul Baptist Church for a total of 24 years; During which, Reverend J. R. Staten served as Pastor from April 1993 to January 19, 1994, when God called him home.
In January 1995, Dr. Joseph E. Simmons became Pastor of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. Under his Holy Spirit-anointed leadership, Greater St. Paul has experienced phenomenal growth as there are currently more than 4,000 members in our congregation and we are growing continuously.
Greater St. Paul Baptist Church acquired and renovated, the property located at 1918 MLK Jr. Way, Oakland, California and also acquired the property at 1807 MLK, Jr. Way, Oakland, California.
Under the teaching and direction from Bishop Simmons that all things done in ministry at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church be done with the spirit of quality and excellence, Greater St. Paul Baptist Church currently employs 50 full and part-time employees. These individuals are employed in departments which include: Administration, Pastoral Staff, Business Operations, Music, Audio/Visual & Media Services, Marketing, Graphics Design, Security and Janitorial Services. The services provided by these employees include: effective management of the daily operations of the church, administrative and other support services of all established ministries, congregational care, counseling, community outreach, on-going training opportunities through our newly established Bible College and Christian Learning Institute, and much, much more to meet the need of our growing congregation and surrounding community.
The Greater St. Paul Baptist Church Family is proud of our Historical Record for which we give God all the Glory. Through His Divine Guidance, we will take 'bigger' steps in the Name of Christ Jesus into the future. Thanks to our forerunners who laid the foundation through their struggle, tears and prayers. We commend them for their dedication and sacrifices.