THE HISTORY OF GILL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

The history of Gill Creek Baptist Church dates back before the Civil War. According to descendants of forefathers, the members first worshipped at the Macedonia Baptist Church which consisted of a mixed congregation, both white and black. For many years, it was customary for slaves, if they worshipped at all, to worship with whites. In this manner, blacks could be kept under surveillance by their superiors. Rarely was there an entirely separate church for blacks.
During the Civil War, Macedonia was burned by Union Soldiers and had to be rebuilt at a later date. The war brought many changes of the time, so consequently, some laws were adopted and others repealed. After the passage of the South Carolina State Act or the Civil Rights of 1870, the black membership decided to secede from the mother church and form their own place of worship.

The Reverend Huriah Calvin Bynum was ordained through the Macedonia Baptist Church to be the leader or pastor of the new church. The church was organized in the year 1871 in a log cabin ten miles east of Columbia on the Old Camden Road in Richland County, South Carolina. The property for the church was donated by Mr. William Mingo Geiger and his wife, Mrs. June Portee Geiger, grandfather and grandmother of Mrs. Clotell Geiger Martin and Mrs. Minnie Geiger Taylor. The church derived its name from a nearby creek known as Gills Creek. The members who joined the church were baptized in this creek. The membership was very small at that time. During the early history of the church, ministers serving as pastors were the following: Reverend Kemper Berry, Reverend Huriah Calvin Bynum, Reverend Charlie Freeman, Reverend R. D. Glover, Reverend William Gordon, Reverend Hollman, Reverend Benjamin Jacobs, Reverend Elias Johnson, Reverend Isom Outen, Reverend Elijah Portee, and Reverend J. W. Rhodes.

The deacons serving during the early history were the following: Deacon J. W. Adams, Deacon J. M. Brown, Deacon Joseph Cantey, Deacon Ransom Chavis, Deacon John Dreher, Deacon Wesley Knight, Deacon Alex Portee, Deacon Samuel Portee, Deacon Uriah Portee, Deacon Wylie Portee, Deacon Joseph Thomas, Deacon W. T. Williams, Deacon Willie Williams, and Deacon John Young. The church clerk was Mr. D. L. Dinkins and the church treasurer was Mr. Henry Bluford, Sr.

Under the leadership of Reverend R. D. Glover, the auxiliaries organized were the following: The Usher Board and some of the first members were Henry Bluford, Jr., Rosa Chavis, Clotell Geiger, Minnie Geiger, Thomas Goodwin, Roosevelt Johnson, Lawrence Kimpson and Pinkey Thomas. The Willing Worker’s Club and some of the first members were Emma Dinkins, Peggy Foose and Maggie Chavis. The Pulpit Aid Club and some of the first members other than officers included Lynne Brown, Maggie Chavis, Lizzie Jones Geiger, Martha Geiger, Preston Geiger, Hammett Jones, Sophie Jones, Clotell Geiger Martin, Ada Jones Outen, Howard Portee, Mick Rennick, Hattie Roberts, Daisy Simmons, and Minnie Geiger Taylor. Former Mothers of the Church were Mother Emma Dinkins, Mother Della Portee, Mother Lottie Roseborough, Mother Elizabeth Thomas, and Mother Julie Thomas.

In 1938 the Reverend William Gordon was re-elected as the twelfth pastor.
Under his leadership, the church had to be moved from its beginning site in 1942 due to the need of the property for the Fort Jackson Military Base. Mr. Simon Faust donated the property for the relocation of the church to its present site. Mr. Hammett Jones and Mr. Walter Williams negotiated with Mr. Faust to secure the property. Mr. James Martin was instrumental in helping to move the buildings to the Cushman Drive location.
Trustee Collie Roberts and Trustee Joseph Adams worked faithfully with this project. The Federal Government purchased property from Dr. H. D. Monteith for relocation of the Gill Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Hammett Jones and Mr. Uriah Portee worked with Dr. Monteith in this effort.
During Reverend Gordon’s administration, many worshipers accepted the Invitation to Christian Discipleship. The church was remodeled and an Educational Building was erected in 1967. Licensed and ordained was the Reverend J. S. Gordon in October 1931 and Reverend Joseph Wallace in June 5, 1962.

The church auxiliaries included the Jubilee Choir and the Usher Board. The Musical Choir was organized September 1961 under the leadership of Trustee Joseph Gantt and Mrs. Mozell McCardell. The first musicians were Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph.
The deacons serving were the following: Deacon Jake Branch, Sr., Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Sr., Deacon Daniel Cunningham, Sr., Deacon Jonathan Griffin, Deacon C. L. McCardell, Sr., Deacon John McGill, Deacon Thomas Morgan, Deacon Howard Portee, Deacon Justice Simons, Deacon R. E. Smith, Deacon John Thomas, and Deacon Joseph Thomas.
The Trustees serving were the following: Trustee Roosevelt Branch, Trustee Isaac Champion, Trustee Daniel Cunningham, Sr., Trustee Joseph Gantt, Trustee Calvin Harrell, Sr., Trustee Hilliard Harris, Trustee Robert Harrison, Trustee Willie L. Haynes, Trustee Malon Hudson, Trustee Willie Hudson, Sr., Trustee Quincy Jacobs, Trustee H. M. Jones, Trustee Rudolph Martin, Trustee James Roberts, Trustee Ulysses Roberts, Trustee Elijah Simons, Trustee Justice Simons, Trustee Joseph Wallace, and Trustee Wardell Wilson, Sr.
The church clerk was Deacon John Thomas and his assistants were Trustee Rudolph Martin and Brother C. L. McCardell, Jr. The church treasurer was Trustee Robert Harrison and the church sexton was Brother Willie Dreher. The Mother Leaders who served under this leadership were Mother Cecilia Dinkins and Mother Sophie Jones. The Sunday School Superintendents were Deacon Jake Branch, Sr. and Mr. Walter Williams.
Reverend William Gordon served faithfully until his retirement in 1968.

On April 18, 1968, the Reverend Lewis Gunter was elected as the thirteenth pastor.
The Reverend Joe A. Bush preached his first sermon at Gill Creek Baptist Church on August 25, 1968, and was officially licensed on September 1, 1968. He was ordained August 15, 1972, at the age of eighteen.
Serving on the Deacons Ministry were Deacon Jake Branch, Sr., Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Deacon Urius Fulwood, Deacon Melvin Harper, Deacon John McGill, Deacon Justice Simons, and Deacon John Thomas.
The Trustees serving were the following: Trustee Daniel Cunningham, Jr., Trustee Melvin Dinkins, Trustee Joseph Gantt, Trustee Calvin Harrell, Jr., Trustee Calvin Harrell, Sr., Trustee Willie L. Haynes, Trustee Willie J. Hudson, Sr., Trustee David Jacobs, Trustee Nathan Martin, Trustee Rudolph Martin, Trustee Jesse Outen, Sr., Trustee Melvin Outen, Sr., Trustee Ulysses Roberts, Trustee Elijah Simons, Trustee Leroy Simons, Trustee Wadell Taylor, Trustee Sloan Tillman, Trustee Walter C. Walker, Trustee George Ward, Trustee Wardell Wilson, Sr., and Trustee Hughy Worthy, Jr.
The church clerk was Deacon John Thomas and assisted by Trustee Daniel Cunningham, Jr. The church treasurer was Trustee Calvin Harrell, Sr. and the church sexton was Trustee Willie L. Haynes. The Sunday School Superintendent was Deacon Jake Branch, Sr. The mother of the church was Mother Hattie Roberts.
The church ministries included the Deacons, Jubilee Choir, Missionary Society, Musical Choir, Program Committee, Pulpit Aid Club, Trustee, Usher Board, and Youth Choir.
Under the leadership of Reverend Gunter, the congregation continued to grow as worshipers accepted the Invitation to Christian Discipleship.
 
The Reverend Gunter resigned October 22, 1976.  On December 13, 1976, the Reverend James P. Neal, Jr. was elected as the fourteenth pastor. Reverend Neal officially began his pastorate on Sunday, January 2, 1977. The Installation Service for Reverend Neal was held Sunday, January 29, 1978.
There were four ministers licensed and/or ordained under Reverend Neal’s pastorate. Reverend Walter C. Walker was licensed August 1981 and ordained April 1982. Reverend Darrell Gidron was licensed at the Mount Olive Baptist Church on January 10, 1981, and ordained March 2, 1986, by Reverend Neal. Reverend Robert M. Fulwood was licensed August 1984 and ordained March 1990. The Reverend Nathan Martin was licensed February 1989 and ordained by the Gethsemane Association July 1989.
It was during Reverend Neal’s pastorate that the congregation broke ground for a new sanctuary on July 8, 1984. The Building Committee consisted of the following: Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Joseph Gantt, Deacon Nathan Martin, Deacon Marion Outten, Deacon Justice Simons, Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr., Trustee David McDonald and Trustee Melvin Outen. Also, the adjacent property on Cushman Drive was purchased.

The official move into the new sanctuary occurred on Sunday, March 31, 1985. The congregation marched from the old church into the new sanctuary at 10:45 am. The first Easter Sunrise Service was held in the new sanctuary on April 7, 1985. The first Baptismal Service was held on April 28, 1985. The candidates were Michelle Byrd, Tyania Clements, Lloyd Dawson, Nadine Dreher, Brent Gaskins and Youtha Worthy. The Dedication Banquet was held Saturday, April 19, 1986 and the Dedication Service was held Sunday, April 20, 1986. The Mortgage Burning and Cornerstone Laying Service was held on April 21, 1991.
On Sunday, February 26, 1978, deacons ordained under Reverend Neal’s pastorate were the following: Deacon Nathan Martin and Deacon Jesse Outen, Sr. were ordained. On Sunday, November 14, 1982, Deacon Joseph Gantt, Deacon Rudolph Martin, Deacon Leroy Simons, and Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr. were ordained. In October 1985 ordained were Deacon Willie Grier, Deacon David Jacobs, Deacon Melvin Pryor, and Deacon Freddie Simons.
In addition to the deacons ordained under Reverend Neal the Deacons Ministry consisted of Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Sr., Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Bunny Johnson, Deacon James Lightfoot, Deacon John McGill, Deacon James McQueen, Deacon Marion Outten, and Deacon Justice Simons.
Trustees serving under Reverend Neal’s leadership were the following: Trustee Lillian Adderson, Trustee Lawrence Anderson, Trustee Johnnie Clements Sr., Trustee Daniel Cunningham, Jr., Trustee Joseph Gantt, Trustee Clarence Graham, Trustee Willie Grier, Jr., Trustee Calvin Harrell, Sr., Trustee Clarence Harrell, Jr., Trustee Willie Haynes, Trustee Barbara Henderson, Trustee Reginald Henderson, Trustee Michael Holmes, Trustee Willie Hudson, Sr., Trustee Carolyn Jacobs, Trustee David Jacobs, Trustee Franklin Jones, Trustee Edgar Koon, Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin, Trustee Nathan Martin, Trustee Rudolph Martin, Trustee Timothy R. McConnell, Trustee David McDonald, Trustee Jesse Outen, Sr., Trustee Melvin Outen, Trustee Dwight Simons, Trustee Freddie Simons, Trustee Ronald Stanley, Trustee Waddell Taylor, Trustee Ernest Thompson, Trustee Walter C. Walker, Trustee Ernest Ward, Trustee George Ward, Trustee Jean B. Weston, Trustee Alton Ray Whitley, Trustee Ted Williams, Trustee Donald Worthy, Trustee Harry Worthy, Sr., Trustee Hughy Worthy, Jr., and Trustee Kenneth Worthy.

The members of the Deaconess Board were the following: Deaconess Dorothy Fulwood, Deaconess Ernestine Gantt, Deaconess Creola Martin, Deaconess Geraldine McGill, Deaconess Alma McQueen, Deaconess Doris Outen, Deaconess Jeanette G. Outten, Deaconess Bertha Simons, and Deaconess Evelyn Worthy. Serving as church clerks were Deacon John Thomas, Deacon Rudolph Martin and the assistant clerk was Mrs. Margaret Bryant. Mrs. Dorothy Whitley served as former assistant church clerk. The church treasurer was Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr., financial secretary was Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin and church sexton was Mr. Harry Worthy, Sr. Mrs. Hattie Roberts served as Mother of the Church for many years until her passing in November 1985. Mrs. Ada J. Outen also served as Mother of the Church and Mrs. Minnie G. Taylor was Associate Mother. Deacon Jake Branch, Sr. retired as Sunday School Superintendent on December 30, 1977, after serving for more than thirty years. He was named Superintendent Emeritus. Upon his retirement, Deaconess Doris Outen was elected Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Sr. served as Assistant Superintendent. After the resignation of Deaconess Doris Outen, Trustee Walter C. Walker was elected Sunday School Superintendent and Mr. Herbert Davis was elected the Assistant Superintendent. Trustee Alton Ray Whitley served as the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Other past Sunday School Superintendents were Deacon Nathan Martin and Deacon Melvin Pryor.

The Gill Creek Baptist Church Early Childhood Development Center opened January 5, 1987, under Reverend Neal’s leadership. During the tenure of Reverend Ross-Lee the center closed May 31, 2006, after nineteen years of service.
The Church sponsored many programs throughout the year that included every auxiliary in the church. The Annual Women’s Day Celebration began honoring a “Woman of the Year” in 1990. Outstanding womenwere honored from 1990 until 2009. This recognition climaxed in 2011 when all women of Gill Creek were honored as “Women of the Year”. The Annual Men’s Day Celebration began honoring a “Man of the Year” in 1991. Outstanding men were honored from 1991 until 2009. A special recognition in 2010 honored twelve senior men as “Men of the Year”. A final recognition in 2011 was given to seven men for their service and dedication to Gill Creek Baptist Church.
The church ministries included the Deacons, Deaconess, Jubilee Choir, Missionary Society, Musical Choir, Program Committee, Pulpit Aid, Trustee, Usher Board and Youth Choir.
The church’s membership continued to grow as worshipers accepted the Invitation to Christian Discipleship
Reverend James P. Neal, Jr. resigned August 4, 1991, after fourteen years of service.

On September 5, 1993, the Reverend Samuel T. Ross-Lee began his ministry as the fifteenth pastor of Gill Creek Baptist Church.  During his pastorate, the Deacons Ministry was restructured and the first women in the history of the church were ordained as deacons. On August 20, 1995, Deacon Doris Outen, Deacon Gloria Pryor and Deacon Evelyn Worthy were ordained. Also, ordained at that time were Deacon J. Patrick Hudson and Deacon Ceasar Leysath. On October 13, 1996, Deacon Roscoe Bush, Deacon Carolyn Evans, Deacon Dorothy Fulwood, Deacon Julia Harrell, Deacon Bernice Manigo, Deacon Evelyn Moore, Deacon Ted Pigford, Deacon Kevin Sanders, Deacon Virginia Simmons, Deacon Charles Starnes, and Deacon Daisy Starnes were ordained.
In addition to the deacons ordained under Reverend Ross-Lee the Deacons Ministry consisted of Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Sr., Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Joseph Gantt, Deacon Willie Grier, Jr., Deacon David Jacobs, Deacon Robert Lewis, Deacon Rudolph Martin, Deacon John McGill, Deacon James McQueen, Deacon Marion Outten, Deacon Melvin Pryor, Deacon Justice Simons, Deacon Leroy Simons, Deacon Kenneth Williams, and Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr.

Trustees serving during Reverend Ross-Lee’s pastorate were the following: Trustee Charles Berry, Trustee Barbara Brown, Trustee Dorothy Byrd, Trustee Robert Gore, Trustee Charles Green, Trustee Clarence Harrell, Jr., Trustee Sandra Hines, Trustee Oliver Hopkins, Trustee Bobbie Martin, Trustee Clyde Manigo, Trustee Timothy R. McConnell, Trustee Josie Primus, Trustee Laverne Sanders, Trustee Martha Scott Smith, Trustee H. Ronald Stanley, Trustee Donald Worthy, Trustee Kenneth Worthy, and Trustee Oretha Young.

Deaconess serving were Deaconess Ernestine Gantt, Deaconess Sharon Grier, Deaconess Shirley Jacobs, Deaconess Jeanette Outten, Deaconess Angela Sanders, and Deaconess Bertha Simons.
Deacon John Thomas retired as church clerk after serving faithfully for over thirty years. The church honored him by making him Church Clerk Emeritus. In memory of Deacon John Thomas, “The John Thomas Memorial Service Award” was presented to a deserving deacon each year on the Deacons Appreciation Day to honor them for their leadership and service. Starting in 1997 this honor has been given to Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Willie Grier, Jr., Deacon Julia Harrell, Deacon David Jacobs, Deacon Ceasar Leysath, Jr., Deacon Bernice Manigo, Deacon Rudolph Martin, Deacon John McGill, Deacon Evelyn Moore, Deacon Doris Outen, Deacon Gloria Pryor, Deacon Justice Simons, Deacon Evelyn B. Worthy and Deacon Kenneth Worthy. The service award was given in memory of Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Julia Harrell, Deacon John McGill, and Deacon Justice Simons.

Sunday School Superintendents were Deacon Julia Harrell and Deacon Melvin Pryor, Assistant Superintendent was Deacon Ceasar Leysath. Serving as church clerk was Margaret Bryant and assistant clerks were Sandra Dye-Giles, Sandra Hines, Sandra Leysath, Sarah Manning, Evelyn Moore, and Lavern Sanders. The church treasurer was Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr., financial secretary was Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin and church sexton was Mr. Harry Worthy, Sr. Tonia Holloway and Davida McDonald served as administrative assistants.
The church ministries at that time were the Clothes Give Away, Deacons, Deaconess Board, Health Care Society, Jubilee Choir, Junior Usher Board, Men’s Choir, Missionary Society, Pulpit Aid, Sanctuary Choir, Senior Usher Board, Trustee, Young Adult Choir, and the Youth Choir.

Several programs were initiated during Reverend Ross-Lee’s pastorate. The Ministerial Intern Program provided an opportunity for college seminary students who are interested in parish ministry to acquire hands-on experience. Brother Illya E. Davis was the first ministerial intern and was licensed by Gill Creek Baptist Church on Sunday, August 25, 1996. Also, initiated under Reverend Ross-Lee’s leadership were a Summer Youth Recital, the establishment of a Minister of Music position, New Members Orientation classes and the establishment of the Christian Youth Fellowship. The First Annual Family and Friends Fun Day, celebrating the one hundredth twenty second Church Anniversary was held on the church grounds September 11, 1993, and was sponsored by the Senior Ushers.

Reverend Ross-Lee resigned June 30, 2001.

The Reverend Preston H. Winkler served as Interim Pastor of Gill Creek Baptist Church from August 2001 to May 2003. The Reverend Samuel B. Glover served as Interim Pastor from June 2003 to May 2004.
On July 26, 2003, Gill Creek dedicated the “Mary Barrow Walking Trail” in memory of the late Mary Barrow. This recognition was in honor of Mrs. Barrow, who served as president of the Health Care Ministry and who kept key health issues before the congregation.

On April 30, 2004, the Reverend Reginald T. Byrden was elected the sixteenth Pastor of Gill Creek Baptist Church. Reverend Byrden began his pastorate on May 30, 2004, using the theme “A New Beginning.” The Installation Service was held on July 11, 2004.

Under the leadership of Pastor Byrden the church adopted the motto, “The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.” On September 25, 2005, Sister Roni Dee Rosa Fulwood-Scott was licensed to preach. On December 17, 2006, the deacons ordained were Deacon Willie Bing, Deacon Randy Samuels, and Deacon Kenneth Worthy. On January 2007 Deacon Jonathan Stevens was added to the ministry. Several ministries were restructured. In addition, new ministries were added which included the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, the Youth Praise Dancers and the Job Placement Ministry. Reverend Byrden initiated the Men’s Bible Study, Corporate Prayer, the Annual “Trunk and Treat”, the annual feeding of the homeless during Thanksgiving and the annual “State of the Church” address.

The Deacons Ministry consisted of Deacon Kenneth Worthy/Chairperson, Deacon Ceasar Leysath/Vice-chairperson, Deacon Willie Bing, Deacon Roscoe Bush, Deacon Dorothy Fulwood, Deacon Urius Fulwood, Jr., Deacon Willie Grier, Deacon Julia Harrell, Deacon J. Patrick Hudson, Deacon David Jacobs, Deacon John McGill, Deacon Evelyn Moore, Deacon Randy Samuel, and Deacon Justice Simons. The Deacons Emeriti were Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Deacon Bernice Manigo, Deacon Rudolph Martin, Deacon Doris Outen, Deacon Leroy Simons, Deacon Evelyn Worthy, and Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr.

The Trustee Ministry consisted of Trustee Barbara Harts-Brown/Chairperson, Trustee Sandra Hines/Vice Chairperson, Trustee Curtis Bennett, Trustee Charles Berry, Trustee Inez Bush, Trustee Frank Goodwin, Trustee Janice Gore, Trustee Charles Greene, Trustee Sharon Grier, Trustee Brenda Jones, Trustee Tammy Littles, Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin, Trustee Hestina McCaw, Trustee Christopher Moore, Trustee Josie Primus, Trustee Nakia Romey, Trustee Laverne Sanders, Trustee Marilyn Samuels, Trustee Marvin Taylor, Trustee Ronald Tillman, Trustee Sandra Wells, Trustee Donald Worthy, and Trustee Oretha Young. Trustee Emeriti were Trustee Margaret Bryant, Trustee Dorothy Byrd, Trustee David McDonald, and Trustee Ernest Thompson.

Deaconess Ministry consisted of Deaconess Hattie Bing, Deaconess Martha Branch, Deaconess Ernestine Gantt, Deaconess Sharon Grier, Deaconess Harriet Haywood, Deaconess Shirley Jacobs, Deaconess Geraldine McGill, Deaconess Catherine Moses, Deaconess Marilyn Samuels, Deaconess Bertha Simons, Deaconess Gertrude Whiting, and Deaconess Marty Worthy.  Deacon Emeritus Hughy Worthy, Jr. retired December 2010 as church treasurer after more than thirty years of service. Trustee Donald Worthy assumed the position as church treasurer and Trustee Charles Green as the assistant treasurer in January 2011. The financial secretary was Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin. Deacon Ceasar Leysath served as Superintendent and Deaconess Harriett Haywood served as Assistant Superintendent for the Church School. Church clerks were Stephanie Blue, Tammy Little, Sarah Manning, Tina McCaw, and Rosa Rivers. The church’s administrative assistant was Dorothy Whitley and Kenneth Worthy was the church sexton.
The ministries were the Brotherhood, Deacons, Deaconess, Christian Education, Christian Youth, Health Care, Hospitality, Intercessory Prayer, Jubilee Choir, Junior Missionary, Male Chorus, Media, Music, Missionary, Outreach, Praise Dancers, Pulpit Aid, Sanctuary Choir, Senior, Senior Ushers, Sisterhood, Transportation, and Trustee.

Reverend Byrden’s pastoral service ended at the Gill Creek Baptist Church on October 28, 2013.

Gill Creek Baptist Church was in a transitional period from August 2, 2013, to December 5, 2014. In the absence of a pastor, the church continued in faith under the leadership of the Deacons Ministry, Deacon Kenneth Worthy (Chairperson) and the assistance of the Reverend Doctor Joe A. Bush (son of the house). Other ministers served the congregation until the end of August. From September 2013 until December 2014 the supply pastors serving were Reverend Doctor William Wilson, Jr. and Reverend Doctor Major McGuire.
From September 2013 to August 2014, God blessed the congregation with twenty-one disciples. The congregation received ten members through their Christian Experience, six by way of Baptism, four through Restoration and one under Watch Care.

After many prayers and fasting, God answered and sent the Reverend James C. Woodley as the seventeenth pastor of the Gill Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Woodley began his pastorate on March 1, 2015. Installation activities were held on May 22, 2015 through May 24, 2015. A banquet was held on Friday May 22nd at the Brookland Banquet and Conference Center and the official installation service was held on Saturday May 23rd.
2016 CHURCH HISTORY.

Pastor Woodley continues to make a difference in the Gill Creek Family through his spiritual guidance, commitment, compassion and energy. The theme for 2016 is Faith in Action and the scripture is James 1:22 NLT, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourself”. Modifications have occurred in the Sunday morning Worship Service. After his appointment here the Pastor has continued a weekly telephone devotional “Morning Glory" on Tuesday morning from 6:00am to 6:15am. Prayer service is now scheduled every Wednesday 11:30am – 12:00noon followed by the Study of the Word for an hour. On the same day evening prayer service starts at 6:30pm followed by Study of the Word for an hour. The Youth Study of the Word is held each third Sunday. The pastor has promoted growth in the weekly Study of the Word classes. The new Discipleship Class has been restructured and the name changed from New Membership Class. Classes are scheduled each second and fourth Sunday. He initiated and the members adopted a church logo and banner. The RELATE banner stresses the importance of the congregation to Reach, Empower, Love, Accept, Teach and Excite. Pastor Woodley has implemented the Harvest Hope Backpack Food Program, summer feeding program for school children, created a Greeters Ministry, started Lenten Season Worship services every Wednesday night, began Wednesday noon day Lenten Devotion and Prayer call, implemented a program to transport the homeless to and from church on Sunday, and facilitates leadership seminars.
The Deacons Ministry consists of Deacon Kenneth Worthy/Chairperson, Deacon Ceasar Leysath/Vice Chairperson, Deacon Willie Bing, Deacon Roscoe Bush, Deacon Willie Grier, Deacon Thomas McClees, Deacon Evelyn Moore, and Deacon Gloria Pryor. The Deacon Emeriti are Deacon Roosevelt Branch, Deacon Dorothy Fulwood, Deacon David Jacobs, Deacon Bernice Manigo, Deacon Doris Outen, Deacon Evelyn Worthy, and Deacon Hughy Worthy, Jr.

The Trustee Ministry consists of Trustee Sandra Hines/Chairperson, Trustee Christopher Moore/Vice Chairperson, Trustee Barbara Harts-Brown, Trustee Curtis Bennett, Trustee Charles Berry, Trustee Inez
Bush, Trustee Frank Goodwin, Trustee Charles Greene, Trustee Sharon Grier, Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin, Trustee Josie Primus, Trustee Lenora Reese, Trustee Nakia Romey, Trustee Laverne Sanders, Trustee
God is still entrusting our Trustees to be keepers of all gifts and property of the church. The Trustee Ministry leader is Christopher Moore/Chairperson, Trustee Charles Greene/Vice Chairperson, Trustee Curtis Bennett, Trustee Charles Berry, Trustee Barbara Harts-Brown, Trustee Inez Bush, Trustee Sharon Grier, Trustee Sandra Hines, Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin, Trustee Josie Primus, Trustee Lenora Reese, Trustee Nakia Romey, Trustee Laverne Sanders, Trustee Derrick Wells, Trustee Donald Worthy, and Trustee Oretha Young. The Trustee Emeriti are Trustee David McDonald, and Trustee Ernest Thompson.

The Deaconess Ministry consists of Deaconess Hattie Bing, Deaconess Sharon Grier, Deaconess Harriet Haywood, Deaconess Shirley Jacobs, Deaconess Rebecca McClees, Deaconess Geraldine McGill, Deaconess Catherine Moses, Deaconess Gertrude Whiting and Deaconess Marty Worthy. The Deaconess Emeriti are Deaconess Martha Branch, Deaconess Ernestine Gantt and Deaconess Bertha Simons.
The church clerks are Sister Sarah Manning, Sister Rosa Rivers, and Deaconess Marty Worthy. Serving as Christian Education Superintendent is Deacon Ceasar Leysath and Assistant Superintendent is Deaconess Harriett Haywood. The church treasurer is Trustee Donald Worthy, assistant treasurer is Trustee Charles Greene and financial secretary is Lavern Sanders. Trustee Bobbie Ann Martin retired December 31, 2016 after more than thirty-five years of service. The church’s administrative assistant is Ms. Dorothy Whitley and sexton is Deacon Kenneth Worthy.

Current 2017 ministries
On July 16, 2017, The Creek Café was dedicated. This area is available to all, but especially for our youth, young adults, and seniors. Gill Creek is staying up -to -date on the latest technology. Improvements and updates can be seen on our Facebook, Twitter and Website. Online giving was implemented to provide members as well as visitors to the site with the opportunity to give at anytime, not just Sunday morning worship service. A television monitor was installed in the vestibule to highlight upcoming events and community news.

From September 2016 to September 2017 God has blessed the congregation with 25 disciples. The congregation received 20 through Christian Experience and Baptism and 4 Restoration and 1 through Watch Care.
We, the Gill Creek Baptist Church Congregation are still a strong foundation of faith, worshiping together as a family, hearing the preached word, saving souls, studying and meditating on God’s word, singing songs of praise, sending up prayers of thanksgiving, spreading the gospel to the community, and providing assistance to the less fortunate. We are a church where we Relate – Reach, Empower, Love, Accept, Teach and Excite. It is for us, the living saints, to be dedicated to the unfinished business of witnessing for Jesus.
History Revised September 2017 by the Pulpit Aid Ministry.