The Greater New Guide Baptist Church, located at 3445 Fairfields Avenue in Baton Rouge, LA, is a vibrant congregation founded in 1914. It focuses on Christian education, community service, and fostering spiritual growth through various ministries and outreach programs.
1.1. Overview of the Church’s Mission and Vision
The Greater New Guide Baptist Church is dedicated to serving God and the community through justice, peace, and love. Its mission emphasizes empowering individuals, fostering spiritual growth, and addressing holistic needs. The church envisions a compassionate society where faith transforms lives, promoting unity and service. It strives to be a beacon of hope, guiding members and the community toward a brighter future.
1.2. Location and Contact Information
The Greater New Guide Baptist Church is located at 3445 Fairfields Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The church can be contacted at Phone: 225-356-4410 or via email at greaternewguidebaptistchurch@gmail.com. Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Visitors are welcome to attend services and engage with the community.
History of Greater New Guide Baptist Church
Founded in 1914 by Reverend Ike Kelly, the church grew from a small Scotlandville group, moving to North 19th Street and later building a new facility in 1930.
2.1. Founding and Early Years (1914-1930)
The Greater New Guide Baptist Church was founded in 1914 by Reverend Ike Kelly, leading a small group from Scotlandville. After Kelly’s death in 1915, Reverend L.C. Crier pastored until 1921. Reverend Thomas A. Levy took leadership in 1922, focusing on constructing a new facility, which was completed in 1930, marking the church’s name change to Greater New Guide Baptist Church.
2.2. Construction of the New Facility (1930)
In 1930, under Reverend Thomas A. Levy’s leadership, the Greater New Guide Baptist Church erected a new Gothic Revival-style facility at the intersection of Spanish Town Road and North 19th Street. This construction marked a significant milestone, enabling the church to expand its ministries and accommodate its growing congregation, solidifying its presence in the community.
2.3. Relocation to Fairfields Avenue (1974)
In 1974, under Reverend Joseph H. Freeman’s vision, the Greater New Guide Baptist Church relocated to 3445 Fairfields Avenue to accommodate its growing membership. This move marked a significant expansion, enabling the church to enhance its ministries and community outreach. The new facility allowed for the establishment of the Guided Learning Center, furthering the church’s commitment to education and spiritual growth.
Leadership and Pastors
Greater New Guide Baptist Church has been guided by visionary pastors dedicated to spiritual growth and community service. Their leadership has fostered a legacy of love, education, and outreach, shaping the church’s mission and impact.
3.1. Reverend Joseph H. Freeman and Church Growth
Reverend Joseph H. Freeman, elected in 1946, led the church through transformative growth. He established new ministries and committees, expanding the church’s outreach. Under his leadership, the congregation relocated to Fairfields Avenue in 1974 and founded the Guided Learning Center. Membership grew significantly, and the church became debt-free in 1981, marking a milestone in its financial and spiritual journey under his visionary guidance.
3.2. Reverend Isaiah J. Webster and His Impact
Reverend Isaiah J. Webster, elected in 1986, led the church to remarkable growth. Under his leadership, membership surged from 500 to over 1,200. His focus on teaching and administration fostered spiritual development. He introduced an 8 A.M. worship service and established the Family Life Center, enhancing community engagement and education. His tenure marked significant progress in both numerical and spiritual growth.
3.3. Acting Pastor Mark C. Thomas and Modern Leadership
Acting Pastor Mark C. Thomas, elected in January 2023, continues the legacy of spiritual growth and community focus. His leadership emphasizes Christ’s love and holistic care for members and the community. Pastor Thomas fosters engagement through weekly Bible classes, evangelistic outreach, and youth programs, ensuring the church remains a vital force in modern ministry and societal support.
Ministry and Programs
Greater New Guide Baptist Church offers diverse ministries, including Christian education, community outreach, and youth programs, fostering spiritual growth and addressing holistic community needs effectively.
4.1. Christian Education and Sunday School
The church offers comprehensive Christian education through Sunday School classes for all age groups, averaging 290 weekly attendees. Weekly adult and youth Bible classes serve 250 participants, focusing on spiritual growth and Christian discipleship. The New Members class, established in 1986, equips new members with foundational Christian doctrines, helping them integrate into the congregation effectively.
4.2. Community Outreach and Social Services
The church actively engages in community outreach through its Mission Ministry, operating a Clothes Closet that provides clothing for those in need. A social worker reviews applications for financial assistance, ensuring support reaches those most in need. Additionally, the Evangelistic Ministry spreads the Gospel in the community, while the church also serves as a polling site, reflecting its commitment to serving the broader population.
4.3. Youth Ministries and Retreats
The church prioritizes youth development through dynamic ministries and retreats, fostering spiritual growth and mentorship. Weekly Bible classes and age-specific programs cater to teenagers, emphasizing Christian values and leadership. Retreats and activities are designed to build camaraderie and deepen faith, ensuring young members feel supported and engaged in their spiritual journeys.
Civil Rights and Community Involvement
The church played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a hub for organization and strategy. It continues to advocate for justice and equality, empowering the community through various social services and initiatives.
5.1. Role in the Civil Rights Movement (1960s)
During the 1960s, the Greater New Guide Baptist Church became a central gathering place for the African-American community, where strategies for the Civil Rights Movement were organized. The church’s leadership and facilities supported activists, fostering unity and empowerment. This pivotal role highlighted the church’s commitment to justice and equality, making it a cornerstone of community action during a transformative era in American history.
5.2. Serving as a Polling Site
The Greater New Guide Baptist Church has long served as a trusted polling site for the Baton Rouge community, fostering civic engagement and accessibility. This role reflects the church’s commitment to empowering its congregation and neighbors, aligning with its broader mission of service and community support, including initiatives like the Clothes Closet and financial assistance programs.
Facilities and Programs
The Greater New Guide Baptist Church features the Guided Learning Center and the Greater New Guide Family Life Center, providing spaces for education, community activities, and spiritual growth programs.
6.1. The Guided Learning Center
The Guided Learning Center, established in 1974, serves as a hub for educational and community programs. It offers Sunday school classes, financial training, and new member orientation. Renamed the Greater New Guide Learning Academy, it supports spiritual growth and empowerment. The center also houses a Clothes Closet and library, providing resources for the community. Located at 3445 Fairfields Avenue, it remains a vital part of the church’s mission.
6.2. Greater New Guide Family Life Center
The Greater New Guide Family Life Center, located on North Acadian Thruway, was established in 1989. Originally known as the Greater New Guide Plaza, it houses the Clothes Closet, library, and hosts Sunday school, financial training, and new member classes. This facility empowers individuals and families, fostering Christian discipline and growth, while serving as a vital resource for the community and church ministries.
Worship Services and Events
Greater New Guide Baptist Church offers vibrant Sunday morning worship services and Bible classes, fostering a spirit-filled atmosphere. Special events and celebrations enrich the congregational experience.
7.1. Sunday Services and Bible Classes
Greater New Guide Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services at 10:00 AM, creating a spirit-filled atmosphere with high praise and powerful preaching. Bible classes are conducted weekly, focusing on spiritual growth and Christian education. Sunday School and Children’s Church cater to all age groups, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and community engagement.
7.2. Special Events and Celebrations
Greater New Guide Baptist Church hosts vibrant special events, including Easter celebrations, Christmas services, and community-wide gatherings. Youth retreats, Bible-themed events, and cultural festivals foster unity and spiritual enrichment. These events reflect the church’s commitment to spreading love, joy, and faith, while strengthening community bonds and promoting holistic well-being for all members and neighbors.
Membership and Growth
Greater New Guide Baptist Church has experienced steady membership growth, expanding from 500 members in 1985 to over 1,200 by the 1990s, reflecting its vibrant community impact.
8.1. Membership Expansion Over the Years
Greater New Guide Baptist Church has seen remarkable membership growth, from 500 members in 1985 to over 1,200 by the 1990s. This expansion led to the addition of an 8:00 AM worship service in 1990 to accommodate the growing congregation. The church’s commitment to spiritual growth and community engagement has fostered a welcoming environment, attracting new members and ensuring a vibrant, active community.
8.2. New Member Integration Programs
Greater New Guide Baptist Church offers a structured integration program for new members, launched in 1986. The five-session class emphasizes Christian doctrines, helping members understand God’s will and equipping them to use their spiritual gifts. This program ensures a smooth transition, fostering a sense of belonging and active participation within the church community.
Financial and Administrative Milestones
Greater New Guide Baptist Church achieved financial stability by becoming a tithing church in the early 1980s and retiring its mortgage in 1981, ensuring continued community support.
9.1. Becoming a Tithing Church
Greater New Guide Baptist Church embraced tithing in the early 1980s, fostering financial stability and blessings. This commitment enabled the church to sustain its ministries and community programs effectively, ensuring long-term growth and support for its congregation.
9.2. Mortgage Retirement (1981)
In 1981, Greater New Guide Baptist Church achieved a significant milestone by retiring its mortgage, seven years after relocating to Fairfields Avenue. This accomplishment was made possible through faithful tithing and financial discipline, allowing the church to focus on its mission and expand its ministries, symbolizing community stewardship and divine blessing.
Current Activities and Initiatives
Greater New Guide Baptist Church actively engages in weekly Bible classes, fostering spiritual growth, and operates an Evangelistic Ministry focused on community outreach and spreading the Gospel.
10.1. Weekly Bible Classes and Spiritual Growth
Greater New Guide Baptist Church offers weekly Bible classes, providing spiritual enrichment for both adults and youth. These sessions, averaging 250 attendees, focus on Christian doctrines, fostering personal growth and community engagement. The church emphasizes holistic development, ensuring members are equipped to apply biblical teachings in daily life, strengthening their faith and connection to the congregation.
10.2. Evangelistic Ministry and Community Engagement
Greater New Guide Baptist Church actively engages the community through its Evangelistic Ministry, spreading the Gospel and serving the needy. Programs like the Clothes Closet provide essential items, while the church also serves as a polling site, fostering civic responsibility. These initiatives reflect the church’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen community bonds through faith and compassionate service.
The Church’s Vision for the Future
Greater New Guide Baptist Church envisions a future focused on holistic community needs, emphasizing spiritual growth, education, and service. It aims to empower members and the community through faith, fostering a legacy of love and transformative impact.
11.1. Continuing the Legacy of Love and Service
Greater New Guide Baptist Church remains committed to its enduring mission of love and service, fostering spiritual growth and community empowerment. By addressing holistic needs, the church continues to inspire future generations through education, outreach, and compassionate care, ensuring its legacy endures as a beacon of hope and transformation in Baton Rouge.
11.2. Emphasis on Holistic Community Needs
Greater New Guide Baptist Church prioritizes addressing the multifaceted needs of its community, offering programs that promote spiritual, educational, and social well-being. Initiatives like the Clothes Closet, Financial Training, and Youth Ministries reflect its commitment to empowering individuals and families holistically, ensuring a compassionate and inclusive environment for all.
Greater New Guide Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith, service, and love, leaving a lasting impact on Baton Rouge. Its legacy of spiritual growth and community dedication continues to inspire future generations.
12.1. Summary of the Church’s Impact
Greater New Guide Baptist Church has empowered its community through faith, education, and service. Its role in the Civil Rights Movement, outreach programs, and facilities like the Family Life Center highlight its commitment to social justice and holistic care. The church’s enduring legacy fosters spiritual growth, unity, and support, making it a cornerstone of hope and transformation for generations.
12.2. Final Thoughts on the Church’s Mission
Greater New Guide Baptist Church stands as a pillar of faith, love, and empowerment. Its mission to serve humanity through spiritual growth, education, and community outreach continues to inspire. By fostering unity and addressing holistic needs, the church remains a beacon of hope, embodying its vision to be known by the love it shares and the lives it transforms.