+ GREAT JOY BAPTIST CHURCH
Where Praise and Worship Matters
Morning Worship
Sunday 10:00am
Sunday School
Sunday 8:45am
Bible Study
Wednesday 7:00pm
CHURCH INFO:
Phone
(803) 628-0450
HISTORY:
Great Joy Baptist Church is an extended family of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The name symbolizes the happiness experienced by our members as God leads our daily lives.
After the church became chartered and incorporated with the state of South Carolina, Rev. Johnny Burris was elected to become temporary pastor.
The congregation consisted of 72 members, most of whom were children. As we looked for a place to worship, several individuals came forth to meet our needs. We met in homes until Deacon Elijah Byrd secured Crawford Community Center which is located on Highway 72 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. As the church looked to the future, several members of land: Mrs Mamie Crawford, Mrs. Irene Byrd and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Neely. The church accepted Mrs. Crawford's offer because of its location.
In April 1981, the construction of the foundation was begun for the new worship facility. The construction of the church was delayed for three years before Theodore Macon was contracted to complete the building of the sanctuary. We encountered many obstacles during this time, but the members worked together in Christian love and fellowship. We sought God's guidance and were always reminded to keep the faith. The dedication service for the sanctuary was held on February 1, 1987.
Construction of the church addition began in September 2001 and was completed in April 2002. The dedication service was held on June. 9, 2002. During Rev. White's tenure, several ministries and programs were added including Thursday morning Bible Study, the musical choir, Man-to-man ministry, Women of Joy ministry, and a food ministry.
The former pastors of Great Joy Baptist are Rev. Johnny Burris (1981-1997), Rev. Walter B. White (1997-2003) and Rev. Willie T. (Dub) Massey (2003-2007). It should be noted that during the period when the church conducted a search for a new pastor, our associate minister, Rev. William McClain, was a tireless and faithful servant. he conducted morning services and provided the stability that the church needed during this time.
In August 2008, Rev. William Franklin Blue was called to serve as pastor, and he began serving this congregation in this capacity on September 7, 2008.