About Us
Our Story - Updated as of October 1, 2023
In 1940, the Galilee Central Missionary Baptist Church (GCMBC) was founded with only 10 members under the leadership of Rev. Walter Suggs. This small but faithful congregation grew to 30 members and needed to move to a larger space; relocating to 1512 Central Avenue, East St. Louis, IL. With a prosperous and growing congregation the church needed to move again. In 1966, under the leadership of Rev Albert Crocket, the church relocated to 701 Brady Avenue, East St. Louis, IL. Under Pastor Crockett's leadership and the grace of God, GCMBC's membership grew to over 300 faithful souls; thus, necessitating a move to a new location, which was 2324 Lincoln Avenue, East St. Louis, IL. GCMBC became a beacon of light on the corner of 23rd and Lincoln Avenue. It continues to be a beacon of God's light under the leadership of the current pastor, Rev. Dr. Matthew J. Turner. Under Rev. Turner's leadership, in 2020, during the midst COVID-19 Pandemic, the GCMBC family built a new facility; which is located at 1743 N. 25th Street, East St. Louis, IL. Although the membership is small, GOD fills the house with love and spiritual blessings. We thank GOD for all the many blessings bestowed on GCMBC from its inception to present; and claiming all future blessings.
In the new church, almost one year to the date that the doors opened, the first baptism occurred on October 3, 2021. Thus far, in 2021 and 2022, eight persons have joined the church; some are former members coming back home; and some are new.
On October 1, 2023, Pastor Matthew J. Turner retired as the GCMBC Pastor. Rev. Dichali Coleman assumed the role as the GCMBC Pastor, the 4th Pastor in GCMBC's 82 years history. The GCMBC bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus upon the retiring Pastor Matthew J. Turner, effectivce Oct 1, 2023, with no expiration date. During the month-long celebration, showing love to retirning Pastor Turner and Lady Turner, approximately 900 persons participated in the events over a 4 week period from September 1, 2023 to October 1, 2023.
Our Vision - The Children are the Future
To implement the GREAT COMMISSION THROUGH active, committed, and invested faith-filled actions that explore, expand, and teach the gospel everywhere and in everything the Church does.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide an environment conducive to our spiritual growth and to affirm the Christian faith through ministering to the total need of mankind, developing children, youth, adults, and seniors to grow whereas we will be able to help others as we help ourselves.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING - THE NEXT U. S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
"Grit and Grace . . . Faith that sustains me"
This is another example of "Improbable Hope", GOD's PLAN -- U. S. Supreme Court Associated Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who states unequivocally, that "Faith has brought me . . ." We, the GCMBC Family salute this phenomenal woman. She understands the concept of God's mercy and grace!
"One Generation from Segregation to the U. S. Supreme Court"
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson - GOD DID IT!
Congratulations to the newest confirmed U. S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, confirmed on April 7, 2022. GOD takes the improbable to the probable and blesses beyond our wildest dreams! Click "Find Out More" to watch the Senate Vote. In November 2022, remember those who walked out in total disrespect to GOD's PLAN