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In 1949, the late Rev. John H Monroe envisioned a church
from whence the Gospel of Jesus Christ could go forth.
Rev. Monroe, along with eight fellow laborers in the cause
of Christ, organized the Greater Hope Baptist Church.The
following eight people were at the Church’s inception:
Mrs. Georgia Pagues, Mrs. Margie Chandler, Mrs. Rowena
Scott, Mr. Grover Darden, Mrs. Marie Goodwin, Mr.
Anthony Gross, Mr. Millard Cook & Mrs. Sarah Cook.
Greater Hope was first located at 600 Clinton St. As the
church grew there was a need for a larger building: it
relocated to 214 Clinton St. In 1959, Greater Hope moved to its present location. The building
was remodeled, according to plans drawn up by Pastor Monroe, and the Cornerstone was laid
in 1970.
Under Pastor Monroe’s leadership, Greater Hope did great things for the Kingdom. In 1983,
Pastor Monroe was called from labor to rest, leaving behind his faithful wife, Mrs. Amanda
Monroe.
After Pastor Monroe’s death, Rev John Pratcher served as interim pastor. With the aid of the
church leadership, headed by Deacon Brantley, Greater Hope moved forward by “being like-
minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”
In April of 1984, Rev. James C. Blackburn Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana was
called to the pastorate of the church.
Since Pastor Blackburn’s arrival, our church has grown spiritually and physically. Under his
pastoral leadership, several pieces of property have been purchased, and parking lots have been
installed. The church building has been completely renovated. The lower level was dedicated
and named in memory of Rev. John H. Monroe, our founding pastor. Greater Hope supports and
sustains many ministries, notably, our Television and Radio programs, where the Sunday School
lesson is presented and people are encouraged to go to church.
Over the years, the faces of the congregation have changed, but the church’s goals and
aspirations remain, to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we look to
the future, we look with confidence for we know, “we can do all things through Christ who
strengthens us."
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