Greater Leavy History     

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The Church and Congregation of Greater Leavy Missionary Baptist Church is the result of the vision of Reverend Paul Cainion. Rev. Cainion saw the need for a place of worship in the Bankhead Courts district, where the community was quickly becoming corrupt and evil. His vision became a reality when the doors of the Church were opened for the first time on November 16, 1970. Rev. Paul Cainion took up a task that many others would not, as this particular community was notoriously dangerous. However, Rev. Cainion overlooked the apparent obstacles and began the Lord’s will.

 

     The original building was once a night club that caught on fire and was burnt almost beyond repair. The job of restoration and organization was just one of the trials and tribulations that the church would have to endure. The Church was small and had no heat, but the needs of the community were so great that people continuously came out to worship. Later the Church moved down the street to its current location, but there was still work to do. The needs and growth of the Church and community has influenced the ministries and facilities the Church currently provides

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     Renovation of the sanctuary, pastoral and administrative offices, choir room, and the addition of stained glass windows began in 2000 under the direction of Rev. Cainion. However, Pastor Cainion did not live to see the completion of his dream for an extended sanctuary and the other addition and beautification projects. On January 12, 2002, God called Pastor Cainion home. The congregation met and voted to elect the associate pastor, Reverend Willie C. Williams, as the Church’s second Pastor. He was installed in September 2002.

 

     Under the leadership of Pastor W.C. Williams, the Church building and membership has continued to grow and improve. Pastor Williams oversaw the completion of Rev. Cainion’s vision, which included new pews, stained glass windows, baptismal pool, new classrooms and staff offices. The newly renovated Church was dedicated to the LORD on August 29, 2004. Today Greater Leavy has several hundred members, some of which are the pioneering worshipers. With the LORD’s blessing, the Church’s ministries, auxiliaries, choirs and fellowships continue to grow and prosper with participation and faithful membership.