Our Story — Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace
Since our founding, Galilee Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of hope, worship, and service in the Longview community.

The Galilee Baptist Church was organized in 1900 by approximately twenty dedicated believers who sought a place for family worship — a place where the weary, the troubled, and the lost could encounter the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

The congregation’s earliest gatherings were held under a simple brush arbor, symbolizing both humble beginnings and strong faith. As the membership grew, worship services moved from house to house and then to the Ware Street Potato House before finding a permanent home at 206 E. Nelson Street. Eventually, the church settled at its current location, 1301 South High Street, where Galilee continues to serve as a beacon of hope and faith for the Longview community.

The founding members of Galilee Baptist Church were Irene Arnold, Roy Arnold, Mollie Smith, Sarah Jones, Jack Randall, Rose Randall, Preston Cole, John Smith, and Chaney Phillip.

Over the past 125 years, Galilee has been blessed with the leadership of eighteen pastors. These devoted shepherds, listed in order of service, include:
Rev. H. R. Heam, W. M. Criss, S. S. Mayfield, Rev. Flanagan, Rev. M. L. Lockhart, Rev. John Baptist, Rev. L. B. Lakey, Rev. Daniel, Rev. Reuben Wright, Rev. A. M. Mitchell, Rev. R. H. Hallum, Rev. W. I. Menefee, Rev. J. T. Leake, Rev. B. W. Lockett, Rev. J. B. Dunlap, Dr. Antione K. Eakins, Dr. Rickey L. Lawson, and presently, Rev. Jaylen L. Williams. Each pastor brought unique gifts and vision that contributed to Galilee’s spiritual, physical, and financial growth.

The first Deacon Board consisted of Roy Arnold (Chairman), Jack Randall, Preston Cole, and John Smith. Today, Galilee continues to be richly blessed, with twelve deacons faithfully serving alongside five trustees as of June 2025.

The ministry of Christian Education was formally organized in 1968, with Deacon Bennie Dade serving as its first chairman. One year later, in 1969, the Board of Evangelism was established under the leadership of Sister Varie Toombs. The church’s first clerk was Brother Isaiah Dunn, its first treasurer Deacon H. C. Woods, and the first Sunday School Superintendents were Brothers Roy Arnold and Horace Cobb.

Through the years, Galilee Baptist Church has grown to include a wide range of ministries and auxiliaries, each devoted to spiritual, educational, and community service. From the Deacon and Trustee Boards to the Missionary Society, Usher Ministry, Choirs, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Youth and Children’s Ministries, Health and Wellness Ministry, and Hospitality Committee, every group works together to extend the love of Christ beyond the church walls.

In 1994, Galilee celebrated a historic milestone when the church burned its mortgage, symbolizing financial freedom and continued faith in God’s provision. Under the vision for expanded ministry, a Family Life Center was built and completed in June 1997, named in honor of Bobby Taylor, former NFL defensive back (#21, Philadelphia Eagles) and member of the Galilee family. The mortgage for the Family Life Center was successfully paid off on April 2, 2003 — a testament to God’s faithfulness and the generosity of His people.

Today, the Galilee Baptist Church family gives thanks to God for Calvary, for it is through Christ’s sacrifice that we find redemption, restoration, and purpose. We celebrate our legacy, honor those who paved the way, and look forward with great expectation to all that God will continue to do in and through this ministry.

To God be the glory for the wonderful things He has done — and the greater things yet to come.