About Us

Greater Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church History

In the course of human events, man has recorded important deeds. These records of history serve as a guide to those who follow.  When men and women leave a great legacy of hard work and perseverance,

it is a living memorial to their faith in God and will inspire future generations to aspire to that same faith.  It is in the memory of these faithful saints that the history of Greater Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church is recorded.

The church was born on March 24, 1929 in the home of Deacon and Mrs. Leroy E. Stevenson, Sr., located at 11362 S. Morgan Street in Chicago, IL with seven original members present.  The first church building was purchased in 1929 at 1037 West 112^thPlace. Rev. S.S. Wesley served faithfully as Pastor for seven years until God called him to his eternal reward.

The Assistant Pastor, Rev. O.C. Riggins, was called upon to assume leadership.  Under his pastorate, the church was remodeled and in 1945 God in his infinite wisdom called him home.

In 1945, after serving as Assistant Pastor, Benjamin H. Watts, was called to the pastorate.  In 1952, under his leadership, Deacon Arthur Johnson, Paul Abrams, Leroy Stevenson, Sr., and Trustee Tom Reed initiated the building fund.  Because of their vision, a bank account was opened at Beverly Bank. This vision remained dormant many years. Awaiting its  awakening. In 1963, Pastor Watts was also called to his eternal reward.

In 1963, Rev. F.L. Johnson was called to the pastorate.  He served for only one year, but our great Usher Board was formed under his leadership.

 In 1964, Rev. Hollis Lewis Sr. was called to Greater Pleasant Green M.B. Church.  The church prospered greatly under his guidance.  Under his leadership, a new heating plant was installed and siding was added to enhance the structure.  Having completed these accomplishments, the Lord subsequently inspired Pastor Lewis to build a new edifice.  He encouraged the members to increase their efforts to expand the building fund.  He set in motion a plan to reach our goal. Mother Mamie G. Rowland was elected treasurer of the building fund, where she worked, untiringly, until God called her at the age of 97.

In 1983, George Rowland and Polytech Construction Company began laying the foundation for the new edifice located 1157 West 115th Street. Many trials and tribulations were encountered that seemed insurmountable, but God heard our prayers and the doors of the new Greater Pleasant Green M.B. Church were opened in 1987. In 1996, Rev Hollis Lewis, Sr. was born into eternity. 

“The Last Mile of the Way”

In 1997, Rev. James L. Porter, Sr. was called as the under shepherd. He served as Pastor for thirteen years. Under his leadership many cosmetic changes were made: the roof, the handicap accessible ramp, and the heating and air conditioning system were renovated. The Fellowship Hall and Kitchen were remodeled; and a new sound system was installed.

In 2012, Rev Joseph M. Coney, was called as the under shepherd. Under his leadership a handicap accessible stairlift was installed, pews reupholstered , new laminate flooring in the sanctuary and a new heating and air conditioning system was installed.  Many new ministries have been instituted and functioning. GPG has partneredwith the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago and the Agape Ministries-CRU. We continue to grow and press forward in the Lord Jesus Christ.

    “Praise and Honor to our Magnificent God and to Him be the Glory”