Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to ignite spiritual growth, lead with Christ-centered purpose, and engage our community with compassion and justice, impacting the world for God’s Kingdom.
Our Vision
Gethsemane Baptist Church is a community committed to moving forward in faith, growing deeper in God’s Word, reaching farther in service, and standing firmly in unity. We are devoted to being a church grounded in Scripture, vibrant in worship, and courageous in mission.
What We Believe
We believe God is shaping us into a church that steps forward with faith, hungers for God’s Word, extends compassion through service, and remains united in love. We are grounded in biblical truth, energized by worship, and driven to make a difference for Christ.
Our History
The Beginning
In 1875, Charles Booth, Edinbury Corprew, Joseph Brown, and Ned Brown left Norfolk County and settled in Savage Crossing, Nansemond County (now Suffolk). Though welcomed into the community, they longed for a house of worship. As members of Divine Baptist Church in Norfolk, their faith compelled them to establish one.
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Their earliest services were held in a storehouse owned by the Whaley and Jackson Railroad Company. As attendance increased, they moved to a larger building across the road, and the congregation became known as Whitehead Ridge. A revival soon followed, bringing thirty new converts and strengthening the call for a permanent church home. In 1878, construction began on the first church edifice at the site where the church currently stands today. Under Rev. C. A. Holmes, the congregation received its enduring name-Gethsemane Baptist Church.
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The pioneers—Charles “Father” Booth, Edinbury Corprew, James Rawles, Henry Reid, James Small, John Faulk, George Copeland, Joseph Brown, and Ned Brown—laid the spiritual and physical foundation for a ministry that continues to thrive more than a century later.
Past Pastors and Their Leadership
Reverend Ashley Lewis
Rev. Ashley Lewis became the first pastor, guiding the church with faith and vision. He was followed by Rev. Isaiah Jackson, Rev. Henry Reid, Rev. Elisha White, and Rev. Holmes, who also served as a schoolteacher. Rev. Nazareth Porter pastored for eight years, and Rev. Reid returned for a second tenure.
Reverend W.W. Gaines
Rev. W. W. Gaines, a Howard University and Wayland Seminary graduate, also founded Nansemond Collegiate Institute. Rev. Noah Dillard oversaw remodeling, a new study, and cornerstone. Rev. M. V. O. Morris and Rev. Eddie E. Randolph (14 years) continued the work.
Reverend A. Lincoln James, Sr.,
D.D.
Rev. A. Lincoln James, Sr., D.D. served until 1946, leading both Gethsemane and First Baptist, Suffolk. He strengthened the church and community, also serving as NAACP president.
Reverend Gilbert G. Campbell, Sr.,
D.D.
Rev. Gilbert G. Campbell, Sr., D.D., brought growth in membership, finances, and facilities, adding an annex, classrooms, kitchen, and new instruments.
1950 - 1965
Reverend Ralph Reavis, D.D.
continued the expansion with building fund campaigns, renovations, and new amenities before resigning to pastor in Richmond.
1965–1974
Reverend James M. Whitaker, D.D.
led 16 years of progress—renovations, a new pastor’s study, mortgage payoff in 1985, and improvements inside and outside the sanctuary.
1974–1988
Reverend Nathaniel Scates, Jr.
brought new ministries, community outreach, and major structural additions, including classrooms and a multipurpose room.
1998–2006
Reverend Dr. Ernest S. Simmons, Jr.
After a season of interim leadership, Rev. Dr. Ernest S. Simmons, Jr. was installed as the nineteenth pastor. Under his leadership, the church embraced forgiveness, training, and visionary growth. He guided renovations, bylaws, leadership development, senior and men’s ministries, and new member orientation. Historic milestones included licensing and ordaining the church’s first female ministers and deacons. His ministry emphasized Kingdom Building and Uniting to Give God Glory.
2009–2023
Elder Dr. Kip D. Johnson
In August, Elder Dr. Kip D. Johnson was called to serve as the twentieth pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church. A dynamic preacher, visionary leader, and servant of God, Pastor Johnson brings a heart for unity, faith, and community transformation. Building on 150 years of history, he is committed to leading Gethsemane into a new season of spiritual growth, discipleship, and Kingdom impact, guiding the congregation to remain a Family Church Uniting to Give God Glory.
2025-Present
A Legacy of Grace
From its humble beginnings in a railroad storehouse to 150 years of ministry, Gethsemane Baptist Church has stood as a testimony of God’s grace and mercy. Through fire, rebuilding, expansions, and new generations of leaders, the church has continued to grow in faith, fellowship, and service.
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We thank God for 150 years of blessings—and we look forward to greater things ahead.
