In 1877, over 145 years ago, our forefathers saw a need for a place to worship. Parcels of

land were given by Moses “Tossie” Lee and Thomas “Tom” Lee, and a Bush Tent was

erected known as St. Paul Methodist Protestant Church. The Reverend E. R.

Washington was the president. After his death, Reverend Mark Richardson became

president. Following his death, Reverend Joseph Mack became president until his

retirement. Under the Leadership of Reverend L. B. Collier and a hard-working

congregation, the community realized that they had outgrown their facility (The Bush

Tent), so a new wooden structure was built in 1919. Over the next few years, we had

many great Leaders: such as:, Reverend Octavia Gethers, 1919-1927; Reverend Steven

Nesbitt, 1927-1936; Reverend R. W. President, 1936-1945; Reverend Frank Bennett, 1945-

1948; and Reverend James “Jim” Washington, 1948-1951. During the 1951 Conference

Year, Reverend Frank Smalls was sent to be the pastor of the then St. Paul Methodist

Church. He served until 1955. In 1955, Reverend A. L. Johnson became pastor and

served for one year. At which time, Reverend Frank Smalls returned and served the

church and community until 1972. It was under his leadership in 1971 that a third block

building was erected and is currently being used as our fellowship hall and Sunday

School classes. From 1972-1991, Reverend Levi Green was pastor and during his tenure,

the church purchased a bus and erected the fourth edifice in 1975. It was a brick

building that is currently being used as our sanctuary for worship service. On April 19,

1987, the Church mortgage was burned, and our name was changed to Greater St. Paul

United Methodist Church, because the church had outgrown its name and its

ministries. We would go on to have other great Leaders: such as: Reverend Louise

Newman, 1991-1994; and Reverend David A. Brisbon 1994-2006. It was under his

Leadership; the church was able to purchase a van and build the church parsonage. It

was also under his ministry that the hours of worship were changed, 9:00 a.m. Sunday

School and 10:00 a.m. Worship Service. From 2006-2008, Reverend Jimelvia P. Martin

lead us in computerizing our Church’s Finance Department. From 2008-2020, under

the Leadership of Reverend Alfonza Jones Sr., our Sunday School Classes increased

tremendously. First Lady Frances Jones incorporated a fitness and wellness program

for the members. In 2010, Reverend Jones and a hard-working congregation purchased

a 32-passenger bus. In 2020-2022, Reverend Sammy O. Pazi served as pastor. However,

due to Covid-19 restrictions, he was extremely limited on what the church could do in

ministry. In July of 2022-Current, Reverend Raymond P. Gibbs was appointed to lead

our church family. We look forward to all the great things that God has in store for us.

We Pray that God will continue to increase our strength and faith as we grow as a

church and community.