Through faith and perseverance, we have come thus far. The Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Reverend John H. Reffels in 1893. Reverend Lois Johnson served as pastor from 1913 to 1938. The Deacons at that time were Brothers Joe Manuel, Scott Maxwell, Jimmy Franklin, J.D. Marshall, Bennie Daniels, Bennie Franklin, Thomas Bowser, John Handy and Henry McCathen, Sr. From 1958 to 1982, spiritual leadership was provided by Reverend Harry Donahue, Reverend Willie Dixon, Reverend E.G. Dickey, Reverend Joe Nicholas, Sr., Reverend Nathan Walker, Reverend Harry Tartt, Reverend W.T. Guice, Reverend Otis Fleeton and Reverend S.M. Robinson. Under the Pastorship of Reverend Otis Fleeton, Brothers Michael Bowser, Thomas Boyd Sr., Wayne Harris and Robert Stewart were ordained as Deacons.
A Call for Growth
Reverend Harry L. Toussaint was appointed spiritual leader in 1983. Under his leadership, the church has seen much growth. New classrooms, cafeteria/fellowship hall, extension to the entrance, choir stand and balcony were built and exterior bricks were added to the structure. In addition to physical growth, the church has also witnessed spiritual growth. Many souls have been saved, and become closer to Christ.
The named deacons served this church faithfully for many years. Brothers Harold Bowser Sr., Will Bryant, Harold Daniels, Sr., Henry McCathen, Sr., Ernest Martin, Alfred Singard, Warren Woods and George Johnson Sr.
The following Associate Ministers have been licensed to preach under Reverend Toussaint: Brothers Robert Price, Larry Holmes, Wallace Powell, Harry Scott, Harold Bowser, and Sisters Valli Battle, Denise Boyd and Lorraine Price. Brothers Patrick Walker Sr. and Ramon Walker Sr. were ordained as Deacons.
On October 6, 2007, two new deacons were ordained. Deacons Lish Holloway and Jarriet White accepted the call to serve God’s church and His people. The reorganization of the Youth Ministry, with the implementation of Children’s Church, and Youth Bible Study classes was implemented. Additionally, Mime and Praise Dance Ministry Groups were organized as a result of the youth participating in the Gulf Coast Missionary Baptist District Association. Also during this time, the Vernelia McCathen Scholarship Ministry, which has been supported greatly by the McCathen family, has hosted a Banquet, an Annual Musical and Praise Night, as well as a Gospel Fashion and Talent Show to secure funds for our students and to praise God for His goodness. The Male Choir began its Crusade for Christ by hosting a “Singing in the Park Under the Oaks,” which was held on the fourth Sunday in September. In addition to the Male, Senior, Inspirational and Youth Choirs, a Praise Team Ministry was organized to emphasize praise and worship in singing, and to lead church services.
An Ordination Service was held in March 2012 to ordain Ministers Valli Battle, Lorraine Price and Christine Simpson. This service was the first of its kind in the history of the Church. Pastor Toussaint held study sessions with the ministers and closely supervised the occasion.
Also, the Women’s Ministry will celebrate its 15 year of empowering women to become stronger for God’s kingdom by hosting an annual women’s retreat where women can be ministered to by anointed women of God. With the assistance of other ministries in the church, the Evangelist Outreach, Usher and Nurse’s Guild host a Wellness and Health Fair each year in October.
Ordination Services were held on January 21, 2017 to ordain Brothers Tyrone Bowers and John W. Dedeaux and added to the Board Deacons Joseph Lamberth and David Rush.
A Call to Service
The Church Disaster Relief Committee was formed after Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. The primary focus of the committee was to meet immediate needs of the congregation and the community. A Meals On Wheels Program for the Elderly was implemented to assist in providing at least one hot meal per day for those elderly displaced by the hurricane. Since March 2007, the feeding program has continued to meet the needs of the community and volunteers by providing a hot nutritious meal once a week. Donations from the church, community members, First Baptist Second Street in Pass Christian, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church Food Bank, Tennessee Southern Baptist Volunteers, Rosie Wilson-Decatur, and a grant from FEMA has allowed this program to continue its mission. THANKS BE TO GOD!!!