Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
GMBC History
The Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the 1880s by Reverend Simon Davis. The earliest members had been fellowshipping with the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist, which was in Northwest Ennis off Clay St.
The first site of Galilee was at the corner of St. John (now south Sherman and Burnett) under a grape arbor, the second site was on Merriott St, and the third site was across the street from the present site. The present site was purchased on April 25, 1895 for $25.00 in cash and $25.00 in a note payable on or before April 25, 1896 with 10% interest from the date of purchase.
When the church was purchased, it caught on fire en route. This delayed the use of the church. It was rebuilt in 1915 under the leadership of Pastor J. W. Williams.
Galilee has a rich history and legacy. The Galilee–Griggs Memorial Baptist District Association is the outcome of the combination of two associations. The Galilee Association was organized in September 1929 at the Galilee Baptist Church of Ennis and took its name after the Galilee Baptist Church.
In 1930, the Galilee Baptist Association and the Griggs Memorial Baptist Association met in a joint session with the Six Avenue Baptist Church from Corsicana, Texas and merged the two associations. The name was decided to be the Galilee–Griggs Memorial Baptist District Association.
Galilee has had pastors who worked hard and left some lasting ideas and examples for kingdom building and living: Simon Davis, F. W. Williams, A. E. Evans–Cannon, J. D. Taylor, John Z. Hightower, Sterlin Grasson, J. W. Williams, B. B. Neal, Rufus, Shepherd, Powell, Bertran E. Collie, Tony Williams, and C. R. Johnson, who became the longest serving pastor after serving the church faithfully for 36 years from 1966 to 2002 and under whose leadership the present building was rebuilt in 1969.
Galilee observed its mortgage liquidation on July 20, 1977 at 3:00 PM. Reverend C. B. T. Smith of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas delivered the sermon. 1st Samuel 7:12 was selected as the scripture for his forceful and inspiring message.
Reverend C. R. Johnson was the pastor and Barbara Rowden the church clerk. A note-burning ceremony was also held in 1996, and to this day, the church is debt-free and everything is paid for. To God be the glory for the great things He has done. On January 2002, Booker T. Washington, Jr. was elected to serve as pastor.
On July 20, 2016, the name of the church was changed to The Church Without Measure. On July 12, 2017, the original name Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was reinstated to carry on the rich legacy and history of our foreparents. Under Pastor Washington’s administration, the church has since been incorporated and many upgrades and amenities have been added. We have also obtained a 501-c3 nonprofit status.
About Our Pastor
Booker T. Washington, Jr.
Senior Pastor of The Galilee Missionary Baptist in Ennis, Texas, 16 years
Founder: Booker T. Washington Ministries, 2002
Special Education Teacher and Bus Driver: Ennis ISD, 16 years
Retired Active Duty US Navy, 20 years
Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, 10 years
Education:
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership – Lamar University
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management – Paul Quinn College
Associate of Arts Degree – Columbia College
Attended: New Orleans Theological Seminary, Georgia Military College
He has traveled all around the world and has been exposed to many different environments that bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and excitement to the classroom and to the ministry.
Celebrating 35 years of marriage, Booker and Shandra are parents to four beautiful children, Whitney, Brittney, Miah, and Jordan. After 21 years in ministry, Pastor Washington continues to connect people to Christ in love. We love you and there is nothing you can do but love us back.