Green Hill Baptist Church History
According to oral history, the story of our church began in late 1862 when a courageous group of worshipers met in a brush harbor on a green hill. Inspired by the heart and hand of God, Rev. Isom Outen, along with those present, established the Green Hill Baptist Church. This was significant, because at the time, the state of South Carolina was heavily engaged in fighting the American Civil War. Enslaved people were considered to be property, and had few, if any, citizenship rights. They certainly did not have the right to assemble and to worship freely. Through the providence of God, however, they persevered and founded a place of worship that glorifies God and whose legacy of faithfulness has impacted the global community.
The first wooden structure was erected in 1901. This building was located on a hill in a brush harbor. The second structure was built in 1905. The edifice was equipped with a bell tower. Green Hill Church had one choir (Senior Choir) and four ushers.
In 1945, a group of members left Green Hill to form High Hill Baptist Church.
In 1967, a third edifice was erected under the leadership of Rev. James Wilson. Services were held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. The late Dec. Robert Qualls served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. After Dec. Qualls death, Deacon Johnny Gibbs became Chairman of the Deacon Board and served for 20 years.
In 1981, Rev. Willie Tucker assumed the pastorate and a dining area was added to the church. Rev. Tucker served as Pastor from 1981 to 1984.
In 1985, the late S.M. Hightower assumed the pastorate of Green Hill Church and served through 1985. Several remodeling projects were completed during his tenure and the church began holding weekly worship services.
In 1986, Rev. Billy J. Carter, Sr. was elected pastor. During his tenure twelve accepted their call to the ministry and four deacons were ordained.
In 1989, after providing many years of spiritual leadership and completing numerous renovation projects, Rev. Johnny Gibbs was called into the ministry and Deacon Calvin O’Neal became Chairman of the Deacon Board.
In 1992, Rev. Calvin O’Neal was called into the ministry
Deacon James Portee became Chairman of the Deacon Board and served for 23 years.
In 2004, construction of our current sanctuary began. Deacon Minnie Anthony served as building committee chairperson. The first service was held on Sunday Nov. 28, 2004 (on our 142nd Anniversary). A dedication service was held on Feb. 20, 2005.
In 2008 we purchased 15 acres of land across the street.
Rev. Calvin O’Neal served as Interim Pastor from 2010 until 2013.
In 2010 we purchased additional acreage next to the mother church.
On Nov. 25, 2012, we were blessed to celebrate our 150th Church Anniversary.
Since October 6, 2013, Rev. C. L. McGriff and First Lady Susan McGriff have provided spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the Green Hill Baptist Church family. During their tenure, our church has experienced tremendous spiritual growth. Since 2015 Dec. John Bowers has served as Chairman of our Deacons Ministry. Our ministerial staff includes Rev. Melandie Portee, Rev. Lucas Hargrove, Rev. Dr. Johnny Gibbs, Elder Velesta Rouse, and Elder Thomas Rouse. We thank God for blessing us with these visionary servant leaders and we look forward to impacting generations of new believers.
To God be the glory for our legacy of faithfulness, dedication, and love. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!!
Below is a roster of Past and Present Pastors, Ministers, and Deacons.
Past And Present Pastors
Rev. Isom Outen Rev. James Wilson
Rev, Charles Freeman Rev. S. M. Hightower
Rev. Jerry Butler Rev. Raymond Carolina
Rev. Rufus Bell Rev. Willie Tucker
Rev. Harry Outten Rev. Billy Carter, Sr
Rev. E. M. Jones Rev. Calvin O’Neal
Rev. Clarence Harrell Dr. C. L. McGriff
Associate Ministers
Rev. Robert Anthony Rev. Lucas Hargrove
Rev. Dr. Johnny Gibbs Rev. Celia Bowman
Rev. Calvin O’Neal Prophetess Sheila Belton
Rev. George Johnson Rev. Damon Qualls
Rev. Melandie Portee Rev. Jeffery Jones
Min. Peppers McBeth Rev. Henry A. Tucker
Rev. Torya Collins Elder Wendy Campbell
Min. April Ware Elder William Campbell
Rev. Clathyn Williams Rev. Jason Sutton
Rev. Joann Carter Rev. Mary Myers
Rev. Louis Hargrove, Sr Rev. Lynn Jackson
Elder Thomas Rouse Elder Velesta Rouse
Rev. Gordan James
Past and Present Deacons
Dec. John Bush Dec. John McKenny
Dec. Johnny Mitchell Dec. Freddie O’Neal
Dec. Robert Qualls Dec. Johnny Gibbs
Dec. Gilbert Cantey Dec. James Portee
Dec. Mose Ellison Dec. Calvin O’Neal
Dec. Nembrick Ben Dec. Bobby Dixon
Dec. Levi Qualls Dec. Melvin Lawhorn, Jr
Dec. Louis Gibbs Dec. Fredrick Williamson
Dec. Ernest Hill Dec. John Bowers
Dec. George Scott Dec. Minnie Anthony
Dec. Chesterfield Miller Dec. Steve Qualls
Dec. Brooks Hudson Sr. Dec. Vernon Aiken
Dec. George Martin Sr.
