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Church History

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The doors at 8126 S. Central Avenue opened Sunday Morning, October 22, 1950 at 9:00am, where a band of Christian workers was organized through divine inspiration under its organizer, Rev. Henry M. Beechan. The mission band was composed of Rev. Henry M. Beechan and Brother R.A. Evans, teacher. The organization remained a missing band until the following May 14, 1951. Under the same leadership, the mission band was organized into the Gospel Mission Baptist Church.  During the initial organization effort, there were eight (8) names on the church roll: Mary Paskell, Sunday School Secretary; Mrs. Vida Morris, President Mission and Mother of the church; Miss Oleo Watts, Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Trustee Board.  Gospel Mission Church was incorporated on April 28, 1954 and relocated to 7321 Miramonte Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.  On February 27, 1955, The Lord called upon the Rev. W.D. Manus to Pastor in 1956 as Rev. Beechan was called to Pastor a church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Rev. Manus served as Pastor from September 1956 to May 1957.  His brief period was filled with poor physical health and in May 1957, the Lord called him from labor to reward.  The Lord gave us the way of progress for the good of our kingdom building. In the early part of 1962, after being a loyal member for years, Deacon Robertson became Pastor Robertson. Rev. Robertson served for 12 years and made many significant contributions including the Head Start program established at the 7321 Miramonte location. 
    
Rev. Henry, a loyal minister and assistant to Reverend Robertson was appointed to lead the church and was called to Pastor on October 19, 1974. Many works were done in the name of the Lord - new pews, carpet, windows, and most importantly, the gaining of a few souls.  Reverend Henry served until his resignation August 15, 1978. On November 25, 1978, the Lord sent Rev. Santee Moore to pastor Gospel Mission M.B.C. During his leadership, we received new members. His first year as Pastor resulted in 54 members added — 28 by baptism, 26 by Christian experience. Over the years, a communion and offering tables, air conditioning, and a church van was purchased. In 1994 and 1995,  Gospel Mission Baptist Church became affiliated with the National Convention  USA and Southern Baptist Convention.

In October 1995, the Church sold its property on 7321 Miramonte and moved to 7301 South Avalon Blvd. In April 1996, Grace to You Baptist Church, under the Pastorship of Rev. Joseph Tillman, Sr. united with Gospel Mission M.B.C. Under Pastor Moore’s leadership, the refurbishing of the church’s interior was completed, and exterior refurbishing plans were established for that year.  On June 4, 1998, the Lord called Pastor Moore from labor to reward. From June 1998 to October 1999, Associate Minister, Isaac Burton, served as the leader of Gospel Mission M.B.C. During his tenure, the church purchased duplex property as Senior Housing. Many were baptized under Reverend Burton’s leadership. In October 1999 Gospel Mission called Reverend Calvin Guidry to serve as Pastor. Reverend Guidry served from October 1999 until his resignation in February 2000. On March 31, 2000, the Lord called Rev. Burton from Labor to reward.

After months of prayer and devotion, Gospel Mission called Associate Minister, Rev. Raymond A. Dennis of Gospel Mission M.B.C. on August 6, 2000 to serve as Pastor.  Since 2000, many souls have united and were baptized, refurbishing the exterior Multi-purpose facility was completed, a new van acquired, telecommunications business partnerships were established, pews re-upholstered, fellowship hall remodeling, and most recently a Spanish language ministry relationship began. The mission department continues to feed and clothed 40-50 families each month, our youth department, ushering and praise ministry remains active. In 2009, the church secured its 501(c)(3)  determination, and has established partnerships with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and World Vision, and will reduce its energy dependence through Solar Energy Conversion. We thank God for his guidance and wisdom as we continue the work of discipleship. Gospel Mission Missionary Baptist Church will remain prayerful and watchful that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide his flock in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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