I
Rev. L. M. Roberts
Founder · 1970 – 1985
Pastor Roberts had greater visions for the future. We loved him dearly, but the Lord loved him best and called him home on February 19, 1985.
Our Story · Since November 1970
It began with eighteen believers.
"We did not have any money, or assets; the only thing we had was faith in God, and a prayer in our hearts." For 55 years, that has been enough.
Every address, a step of faith
The road to these doors.
Greater Union has worshiped in a member's home, the pastor's home, an activity center, and a building moved from 37th Street. Here's how God moved us, one street at a time.
Alexander St2102 Alexander Street
November 5, 1970
A motion is carried.
A body of baptized believers met in the home of Sister Hallie M. Demerritt. Eighteen adult Christians decided together to organize a church. A motion was made and seconded, and the motion carried.
S. 5th St1702 South Fifth Street
November 12, 1970
The church is organized.
Pastors and church representatives were invited to organize the church: Rev. William A. Ervin of the Austin Baptist Association, Rev. Marvin C. Griffin of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev. N. W. Bacon of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist, and Rev. H. A. Sneed of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Dr. M. C. Griffin served as Moderator of the Council. Forty days later the church was reorganized to include the Moderators of the Associations in fellowship with Greater Union, and Dr. H. A. Sneed served as Moderator.
E. 32nd St1706 · The pastor's home
The early days
Worship begins at home.
Our first worship services were held in the home of our pastor, Rev. L. M. Roberts, at 1706 East 32nd Street. Later the congregation gathered at the Salina Activity Center.
Webberville Rd3515 · One acre
May 1971 – 1976
A building on the move.
We began purchasing property on Webberville Road. That July, the church bought a building from the Veterans of Foreign Wars on 37th Street and had it moved to the lot. It had an auditorium seating at least 150, a fellowship hall, and a ladies' lounge, valued at $60,000. Praise God! We worshiped there from 1972 to 1976.
These DoorsBicentennial Sunday
Sunday, July 4, 1976
We marched in.
Our great plans were to build a new church building with all necessary facilities at a cost of $300,000. We had no money or assets, only faith in God and a prayer in our hearts. God answered by opening a new and better door. On Sunday morning, the nation's Bicentennial, the Greater Union family marched through these doors with faith in God and a mind to work.
Paid in Full17th Anniversary
November 8, 1987
The deeds come home.
Retiring the mortgage had been our founder's great desire. The Lord called him home first. Then Sister L. M. Roberts asked, sought, and knocked (St. Luke 11:9), and the Lord knocked on the hearts of the saints. Eleven years and four months after we marched in, at the 17th Church Anniversary she presented the deeds to Deacon Henry Don Harper, Chairman of Trustees, who presented them to Pastor E. C. Craig Jr. "Let the records speak!"
Our AimTo reach the unreached
Our PurposeTo save the lost
Our ObjectiveTo grow in grace
Our MottoDetermined to know Christ
Jeremiah 3:15
Four shepherds.
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." In the seasons when Greater Union was without a shepherd, God continued to be our Heavenly Shepherd, and holy men of God filled the pulpit.
II
Rev. Edward C. Craig Jr.
1985 – 1989
Installed October 6, 1985. The steeple was painted, the mortgage was retired, and from November 1986 to May 1989 there were 22 candidates for baptism and 53 members by Christian experience.
III
Rev. O. D. Davis
1989 – 1992
Installed September 17, 1989. His first sermon was "The New Birth" (St. John 3:3). We can still hear him saying: "There's no place like this place, near this place, so this must be the place." Called home January 20, 1992.
IV
Rev. Dr. Rickey E. Williams
Installed October 25, 1992
Under Pastor Williams: a church van, a remodeled activity center and kitchen, Children's Church, nine ministers licensed, five ordained, and six deacons ordained. "We are going up higher in the name of Jesus!"
Job 23:10
"I shall come forth as gold."
We thank God for our Christian journey. We thank Him for our storms. But most of all we thank Him for just being God, and being in our lives as we travel this journey.
To God be the glory for the great things He continues to do here at Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church.
What we believe
The whole Book, cover to cover.
Our foundation is the Word of God. The body of believers at Greater Union, believe in the entire Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.
Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
66books
Revelation 22:21
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
Our mission: the Great Commission
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Matthew 28:18–20
Our joy: the house of the Lord
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem."
Psalm 122:1–2
Our fellowship
Greater Union is affiliated with the Austin Baptist Association and the St. John Association.
The Greater Union pulpitServing since 1970
Leadership
Serving the body.
"Greater Union, Sister Williams and I want you to know that we are thankful for your love, kindness, and daily work that you give to this body so that we can do God's will effectively."
PastorRev. Dr. Rickey E. Williamspastor.williams@gubcaustin.org
Church ClerkSis. Myra Haynesmyra.haynes@gubcaustin.org
AdministratorBrother Joebrother.joe@gubcaustin.org
Deacon ChairmanDeacon Haynesdea.haynes@gubcaustin.org
Trustee ChairmanDeacon Johnsondea.johnson@gubcaustin.org