Our Church’s Humble and Promising Beginnings
Gethsemane Baptist Church Was Organized in May of 1955
The present congregation is the result of a merger in 1963 between Gethsemane Baptist Church, pastored by the late Rev Charlie Jackson, the organizer, and the Christian Love Baptist Church established in 1954, pastored by the late Rev Bert Collins. The following gives our history in great detail.
On March 19, 1954, the Christian Love Baptist Church had its earliest beginning in the home of Reverend and Mrs. Bert Collins, at 783 East Vernon Ave. with the Rev. Townsend and Rev. Barnett presiding. Rev. Bert Collins was the pastor and founder. The Church was named Christian Love Baptist Church. Its theme: A Church Which Advocates the True Spirit of Its Name.
Approximately one year later, a group of Christian women met in the home of Sarah Posey at 9218 Firth Avenue on March 24, 1955. Neither of these two groups knew the other; they were just believers in God. Neither was aware that nine years later, the two would be brought together as one.
Rev. Charlie Jackson
The mission of these Christian Women progressed, and about this time, a young man by the name of Charlie Jackson was called into the gospel ministry. After listening to his first sermon, these women called him for their pastor. Sis. Annie Bell Johnson met with the late Rev. James Pope, the pastor of the Christian Light M.B.C., and asked him to ordain Rev. Charlie Jackson. On May 25, 1955, the organization of Gethsemane Baptist Church took place, in the home of Sarah Posey.
Growth
Shortly thereafter, the name was changed to the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. The first church clerk was the Late Cassana Hill. She was also the first member that death claimed. The first candidate for baptism was Mary Cofield. In 1957, the Pastor’s Aide was formed. Deacon Arthur Wright called them the Shunammites.
The church grew numerically and spiritually. The need to seek a new facility came rapidly. They moved to 9608/9616 South Avalon Blvd. (which serves as our present Annex Facility). Pastor Charlie Jackson diligently preached and taught the people that God had given him and the membership grew even more. At this point, the storefront at 9608/9616 could no longer meet the growing needs of its constituency and community.
The church moved to 53rd Street and Wall. The membership continued to grow and a need for additional space was necessary. The church under the leadership of Pastor Charlie Jackson started construction back at the site on Avalon Blvd.
Shortly after the construction began, the enemy attacked Pastor Charlie Jackson, and work on the building ceased. Many members without a vision left the membership. In 1974, having led the people for 18 dynamic years, Pastor Charlie Jackson moved from his labor to his reward.
Rev. Larry C. Jackson Called to the Pastorate
Shortly thereafter, a pulpit committee was formed. A well-known Pastor, Reverend Larry C. Jackson, was called to the pastorate of the Gethsemane Church. He accepted the reins of leadership in April of 1975 and began the Pastorship on the 3rd Sunday, September 1975.
A people without a vision were scattered. Through Pastor Jackson's spiritual vision, his wisdom and guidance and by exercising his business tact, he united a scattered and discouraged membership.
The building that the late Pastor Charlie Jackson had begun to erect was completed and furnished under the directions of Pastor Larry C. Jackson and Deacon Roosevelt Kelly. The dedication ceremony was held on November 27, 1977.
In 1985
One of the visions came to fruition when Pastor Jackson (led by the Holy Spirit) journeyed to Africa. God realized several needs there, one of which was a day care center. God granted him favor with the African Government, which resulted in the acquisition of a building and a designated site for the day care center.
Pastor Jackson was blessed to take a delegation with him to Africa and the Holy Land. Several members have traveled with Pastor Jackson to support him in Revivals such as New Orleans, New York, Kansas City, Missouri, and Texas. The record is evidence that the Holy Spirit has been and continues to be our guide and teacher. The impact of Pastor Jackson’s leadership has been realized throughout the United States and abroad. In August of 2004, Pastor Jackson was invited to sit and share his thoughts in London England at the Oxford University. We are truly blessed to have such a dynamic leader, representative of Christ and a man after God's own heart, who continues to teach and share God's Word under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and a leader that loves, cares, and prays for the people of God.
In 1999
Pastor Jackson was led to put emphasis on the meaning of "GETHSEMANE" which is the name for the place where an olive press is used to get the oil from the olives. The oil was used for cooking and anointing. Out of this, we have the adopted name "Church of the Press" where everyone is encouraged to Come for Some Fresh Oil.
Pastor Larry C. Jackson’s ministry was truly a blessing to Gethsemane. He was responsible for many multi-faceted Out-Reach Programs such as: 24 Hour Prayer Line, Satellite Home Bible Study, Tape Ministry, Victory Bible Hour, Ministry Training Classes, Larry C Jackson Scholarship and Endowment Fund, A Daycare Center in Zimbabwe, Africa. Pastor Jackson also had published The Communicator which was the church newsletter. He organized Los Angeles Wings of Faith, South Central Community Family Services Outreach. In August 2004, Pastor Jackson was invited to sit and share his thoughts at Oxford University, London, England, (Round Table). He authored several books. Pastor Jackson was truly an example of “A Man on Fire for God”. He embraced the ministry of the Holy Spirit inclusive of speaking in tongues. Having led God’s people for 37 vibrant years, 2011 Pastor Jackson retired. Pastor Larry C. Jackson moved from his labor to his reward on August 25, 2020.
GCLMBC has birthed many Pastors. The late Ollie German of Mt. Salem Baptist Church. Pastor Eddie Thomas, Pastor Rayfield Roscoe, Pastor Freddie Lee Anderson, Pastor Ellis White, Pastor Delbert Wright, Pastor Mary Sims.
In 2011
Considering the fact, we had a wonderful Pastor for many years, The Pastoral Search Committee recommended we get an interim Pastor. Someone who could help the members adjust to the loss of Pastor Jackson and prepare the way for the new Pastor. From December 2011 thru October 2013, Rev. Benny Lee Patrick Jr. was voted our Interim Pastor. We could not have selected a better person! Rev. Patrick provided the church with some consistency and stability as we searched for our next Pastor.
In 2013
On October 26, 2013, Pastor Andre Chapple, Sr. was chosen to become the Pastor of GCLMBC. He tried to connect legacy to destiny. Pastor Chapple inspired the saints to “Press for Success” and to fully embrace and operate within the five purposes of the church with efficiency, excellence, and effectiveness. Pastor Chapple organized a Children’s Church Ministry with a designated curriculum. Leaders and potential leaders had to be trained in A Ready to Serve Curriculum. His desire was for the ministry to grow bigger, better, and brighter.
In 2019
On October, 2019, Pastor Walter Carter was welcomed as our interim Pastor. He was Pastor Emeritus at the Neighborhood Church of Long Beach and was the Interim Director of Missions, Long Beach Harbor, Southern Baptist Association. Pastor Carter served in this capacity for two years.
Pastor Byron L. Smith Sr. call to the pastorate
On February 6, 2022, Pastor Byron L. Smith Sr. call to the pastorate, became the Pastor elect of GCLMBC. Pastor Smith accepted his call from God to preach at the age of 29. Pastor Smith and his wife Jill are proud parents of three sons, one daughter, and several grandchildren.
Pastor Smith uses his anointing, his formal education in divinity and Counseling Psychology to meet the needs of the people and to build ministry. He also uses his training to train clergy, students seeking Masters degrees in theology and psychology as an adjunct professor at Azusa and Antioch University.
On April 24,2022, Pastor Byron L. Smith, Sr. was installed as the Pastor of GCLMBC. Since becoming Pastor of GCLMBC, Pastor Smith has been elevated to the role of Bishop. Our membership has increased. 65 people, thus far, have been added to the membership rolls. Some were rededications, some by Christian experience and some by baptism. Attendance has increased in The Hour of Power Bible Study on Wednesday nights as well as the Sunday Worship Service.
Since Bishop Smith has become the Pastor, some ministries have been reorganized and new ministries have been added. The I Care Prayer Ministry has been reorganized. Intercessory prayer is available Monday through Friday starting at 5:50 a.m. on the conference line. At 6:30 p.m. there is intercessory prayer prior to Bible study on Wednesday nights. Bishop Smith is currently teaching from the books of the minor prophets. A children’s class, Theology of the Arts, has been added to the Sunday School. A class for boys ages 12-17 has also been added to the Sunday School. An eight week New Members Class with a new curriculum has been added to the Sunday School as well as a Christian Leadership Development Class taught by Bishop Smith. The Encouraging Words Calling Ministry has been established whose purpose is to call new and rededicated members and to encourage them to come to Sunday School, Bible Study and regular Sunday worship. Bishop Smith calls also. The More Like Christ Bereavement Ministry has also been established.
The Men’s Ministry has become the Boys to Men Ministry to be inclusive of all males. A Children’s and Youth Ministry has been established. A Youth Choir has been started and on second Sundays the youth are in charge of devotions. All children and youth workers have to complete background checks. A Youth Crossing Guard Ministry has been established to help members to safely cross the street from the parking lot to the sanctuary.
Bishop Smith meets with the ministry leaders once a month continuously expounding upon the vision and sharing with us from Dale Galloway’s book “Leading in Times of Change”. “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni is another book that is used to help us understand the importance of organizational health. An organizational chart has been completed and displayed to identify leaders and the ministries with whom they are aligned. Ministry descriptions are also available.
Bishop Smith met with The Trustee Ministry and they decided upon some much needed tasks that were overdue. The Nehemiah Project (Nehemiah 10:28-39) has been established as a building project. The vision of Bishop Smith for this endeavor is that at least 100 serious dedicated loving leaders who do not mind stepping out on faith to please God, will sow a seed into the life of GCLMBC of $300 over the course of 12 months which will be beyond the 10% given first to God.
There are a few members active now under the leadership of Bishop Smith who became members under Pastor Charlie Jackson. When they were asked to describe GCLMBC the response was always that it is a family-oriented church with family values. The church has survived numerous attacks by Satan and also a Pandemic. This was possible because God is always the focal point of ministry. The agenda for each ministry meeting had to include prayer and a lesson. Bishop Smith also requires that ministry meetings have a spiritual focus and purpose. GCLMBC has and is a praying church.
There are no shortcuts to excellence in life and there are no shortcuts to growth in Christ. But for 68 years Gethsemane has and continues to be lighting the way. Bishop Smith is very intentional about being a resource to the community through vaccination clinics, backpacks, food and clothing giveaways. In the words of Bishop Smith, we are growing Triple T Leaders who give of their time, talent, and treasure. We are a church moving from “good to great”. We are a church with leaders who are strong enough to lead and humble enough to follow. We are now “the church pressing with Christian love”. To God be the glory!
Looking Back, We Are Encouraged to Move Forward
Looking forward, through Faith, we expect greater things to be manifested toward the promotion of God’s work, His church, and His Kingdom.
Looking up, we acknowledge and give thanks to God for His Divine guidance and directions since 1955, years of God’s Amazing Grace and for more of the same in years to come.