Where We've Been
A Brief History of Northgate
October 31, 1948
Under the direction of its pastor, Nathan C. Brooks, Jr., a committee was appointed by the Earle Street Baptist Church to study church needs in the expanding Northgate community of Greenville.
January 9, 1949
The favorable committee report was received, and Earle Street Baptist Church voted to sponsor a Northgate mission.
 Rev. J. T. Gillespie  Northgate's first meeting place, 434 Summit Drive February 6, 1949
At 3:00 PM, the first meeting of the mission was held in a rented white frame house located where Summit Drive School was later built. Rev. J. T. Gillespie, Associational Missionary, led the service and preached in revival services the following week. Mr. Gillespie continued holding services for the first six months.
 Rev. Matthew M. Rabon September 1949
Rev. Matthew M. Rabon, Furman student, came to serve as pastor until September 1950.
 Dr. Park H. Anderson  Northgate's second meeting place, 414 Summit Drive October 1950
Dr. Park H. Anderson, retired missionary and seminary professor, came to serve as pastor for three months. There were about thirty-five people attending services at this time, and the name had been changed from “Mission” to Northgate Chapel Branch of Earle Street Baptist Church. Also, to vacate the property for Summit Drive School, the Chapel moved into the brick house at 414 Summit Drive.
 Rev. Harry R. McCall January 21, 1951
Northgate Baptist Church was constituted as separate from Earle Street with ninety-three charter members. Rev. Harry McCall, a senior ministerial student at Furman, was called as pastor of the new church. Immediately following the organizational service, the group went to the recently purchased building site at 633 Summit Drive to have groundbreaking ceremonies for the first unit in a building program.
 Sunday School Organization Day January 28, 1951
Northgate Sunday School was organized with fifty-six members present and the Training Union was organized on this date. The WMU was begun on February 13, 1951.
 First Phase of current facility, 633 Summit Drive May 6, 1951
The first unit of the building at 633 Summit Drive was occupied. This was a flat-roofed structure containing a temporary sanctuary (used until December 1959), a kitchen, and five small classrooms for the children. At first, adults used temporary classrooms in the sanctuary.
 First Parsonage, 613 Summit Drive. November 1951
Construction on the church parsonage was completed and was occupied by Rev. Harry McCall and family. The parsonage was located at 613 Summit Drive.
January 21, 1959
By the time of its anniversary, the church had received 115 members by letter (including charter members), twenty-one professions of faith, and five from other denominations requesting immersion.
 Dr. Robert W. Jackson  Second Phase (current education building) April 1, 1952
Dr. Robert W. Jackson, of the Furman University Department of Religion, became the interim Pastor following the resignation of Rev. McCall. Dr. Jackson served through August 1953 and led in the second phase of the building program. This project, completed in February 1954, gave the educational building its present appearance. The large central portion was left unfinished.
 Dr. J. Dan Williams September 1, 1953
Dr. J. Dan Williams assumed the pastorate for Northgate. At his coming the church’s membership was 242. In March 1955, the third phase of the building program was completed with the finishing of the upstairs area in the educational building. In the autumn of 1955, plans began to materialize toward the erection of a permanent sanctuary.
 Dr. Kenneth Webb December 1956
Rev. O. Kenneth Webb, Jr., came to serve as Associate Pastor for slightly over one year, due to the illness of Dr. Williams.
 Dr. H. Jack Flanders
April 1958 - September 1958
Dr. H. Jack Flanders served from April to September 1958
 Rev. Jason D. Ross October 1, 1958
Rev. Jason D. Ross became Pastor.
 Sanctuary Groundbreaking October 19, 1958
Groundbreaking for the building of a new sanctuary was held.
 They built the inside first
 Steeple added to sanctuary December 6, 1959.
The first service was held in the new sanctuary.
 Dr. J. Graydon Dukes January 20,1963
Dr. J. Graydon Dukes became Pastor.
 Rev. Robert A. Williamson (Minister of Music) 1967
Rev. Robert A. Williamson comes to Northgate Baptist Church as Minister of Music.
January 5, 1970
Dr. J. Graydon Dukes passed away after a brief illness.
 Rev. William L. Reames March 22, 1970
Rev. William L. Reames assumed the Pastorate of Northgate Baptist Church.
 Rev. (later Dr.) Robert B. Whaley April 13, 1973
Rev. Robert B. Whaley assumed duties of Pastor.
June 1973
Miss Ella McWhite was hired as Northgate’s first Minister of Education.
January 22, 1976
The church celebrated its silver anniversary.
March 1, 1976
Rev. Charles R. Tarver became Minister of Youth and Education.
September 1977
The J. Graydon Dukes Memorial Fund was established for educational assistance for call to full time ministry.
August 1978
Rev. Michael Pack was employed as Minister of Youth and Education.
 Groundbreaking for Family Life Center March 1979
Boston and Palms Architects were employed to make plans for the building of a Family Life Center.
 Family Life Center under construction October 5, 1980
The new Family Life Center was completed and dedicated in honor of Mr. Jack A. Keys.
1982
Rev. John D. Ashworth was employed as Minister of Education and Youth.
1982
Partnership was formed with the Northgate Mission in Beckley, West Virginia.
 Sanctuary in original color scheme 1986
The Mildred Suddeth property (adjacent to the church) was purchased. This property would eventually become a church/community center.
 Rev. Rodney Kerr (Minister of Youth and Education) 1987
Rev. Rodney Kerr was employed as Minister of Youth and Education.
1991
The Education wing and Fellowship Hall were renovated.
 Rev. Thomas P. Capps (Minister of Youth and Education) 1995
Rev. Thomas P. Capps was employed at Minister of Youth and Education. Mrs. Crystal Capps was employed as the Director of Youth and Children’s Choirs.
1997
Rev. Robert A. Williamson retired as Minister of Music after more than 30 years of service to Northgate Baptist Church.
 Mrs. Crystal Capps (Minister of Music) 1998
Crystal Capps became Minister of Music.
1999
Partnership was established with Summit Drive Elementary School.
2001
Northgate Baptist Church celebrated its Golden Anniversary.
2001
Summit Light House opens for church/community ministries.
2003
Mission partnership was established with Powell River Baptist Association in Lee County, Virginia.
2004
Partnership was established with Laurel Baye Nursing Home.
2004
Summit Light House and Central Community Missions developed a partnership.
January 31, 2006
Dr. Robert B. Whaley retired as Pastor after 32 years of service.
 Dr. Pete Wilbanks March 2006
Dr. Pete Wilbanks became interim pastor, while continuing his work as Associate Professor of Christian Studies at North Greenville University.
 Dr. Barry Jimmerson January 1, 2007
Dr. Barry Jimmerson assumed the duties of Senior Pastor. He formerly pastored churches in North Carolina and in Alabama.
 Blue Bryan September 1, 2007
Blue Bryan joined us as Minister of Students and Children.
Note: if any member has additional historical details and/or photos, please email or bring them by the church office so we can continue to improve this page.
Loving God, Loving People -- Here, There, Everywhere
Northgate Baptist Church
633 Summit Drive | Greenville, SC 29609 | PH: 864-242-3805 | Map
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