King Solomon Baptist Church was organized in 1933 with eight (8) members at 3321 Audubon Street, for the purpose of worship and Christian service. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Brothers A.E. Armstrong, Samuel Tophia, Johnny Jones, and Sisters Katie Rattley, Martha Baker, Sallie Dauphine and Selina Burrell had a meeting with the late Reverend Horace Leonard and asked him to be their leader. The Holy Spirit endorsed this choice and the congregation began to grow. Through prayer and praise, this small congregation was a powerhouse for God. King Solomon temporarily moved from 3321 Audubon Street to 3301 Fern Street, in what was known as “Olive Theater,” and held worship services there for six (6) months. The people had a mind to work and raised enough money to return to 3321 Audubon Street. Reverend Leonard had the foresight to purchase the property after having a meeting with his membership. With “free labor; Brothers Matthew Causey, Clarence and Alvin Patterson, who were contractors, King Solomon Baptist Church had its first renovation. The church was re-named the Greater King Solomon Baptist Church and obtained a charter on February 5, 1935. The curtain fell, and the life of the Reverend Horace Leonard came to a close on October 24, 1955. He left a legacy and his name was recognized throughout the country, wherever ministers meet. Pastor Leonard was succeeded by
Reverend Irvin K. McCorvey, elected in 1956 and led the flock for three (3) years. In his short span much was accomplished. He was an evangelist as well as a leader. God called Rev. McCorvey from labor to reward on November 25, 1959.
In 1959, Reverend James Alexander Wilkerson, a member of the church, was elected to stand at the helm of the ship and continue the work of his predecessors. Under his leadership, renovations were made to the existing church and the exterior of the church was bricked. Additionally, two adjacent pieces of property were also purchased: 3317/19 and 3325/27 Audubon Street. Much was accomplished under the leadership of Reverend Wilkerson who served the church faithfully until he became ill in 1978. During his illness, the Deacon Board, along with the three associate ministers: Reverends Hawkins, Palmer and Griffin carried on the services at the church with Deacon Joseph Butler spearheading the efforts. Rev. Wilkerson remained in the Church’s care as pastor emeritus until his demise on October 2, 1991. The Reverend John Thomas White, our present pastor and fourth gift from God, was elected as Pastor of the Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on August 16th and installed on August 28, 1986 under the auspices of the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary General Baptist Association and the unction of the Holy Spirit.
Faithfully for 37 years, as an obedient under-shepherd, Pastor White has fed his flock with love, knowledge and understanding. As a result, multitudinous witnesses have grown, are growing, and can speak boldly for the cause of Christ. In August 1994, under Pastor White’s leadership, a new edifice was erected and dedicated to the glory of God. In July of 2008, Pastor’s vision would once again come to pass with the newly remodeled and renovated Greater King Solomon Fellowship Hall Facility. The Hall includes a state of the art kitchen, banquet and classroom seating to better serve the needs of the people, and the community.
Pastor White is married to the former Sister Emily Marie Payton and is the father of seven children; Larry, Demetrius, Jonathan and Chad White, Sr.; LaDeidre W. Fant, Donna W. Stigler and Yolanda Thibodeaux. He is the Grandfather of Kenisha and Khadijah Thibodeaux, Jessica Fant, Jared and Joshua Stigler, Nia, Tiffani, Sarah, Johnte, Javonte', Xavier, Jaylin, Chelsey, Chad, Jr., John White, II and another grandson named John White, II and the late Cassius White. He is the Step-Grandfather of Stanley Conley, Shannon Conley and Raven Wright and Father-in-law of Deidre, Elleanora and Dawn White, Kenneth Thibodeaux and the late Carl Stigler.
Education: Pastor White holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, Southern University of Baton Rouge; Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary, 1987; Doctorate Studies, 1988
Christian & Civic Affiliations: Founder/CEO, Gert Town Community Development Center; 4th Vice President, Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association; Board Member, (CURE); Board Member, GNO Foundation; Board Member, Gert Town Revitalization Initiative (GRI); Board Member, The Micah Project; Member, All Congregations Together (ACT); Member, Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission State Convention; Member, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (NBCA); Certified Instructor, Department of Christian Education of NBCA, Inc.
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