Under the leadership of the first pastor, Rev. Sam Stinson, The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church fellowship was formed more than 130 years ago by a Sunday school and prayer meeting group. Rev. William Tillman (Father Tillman), pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church, organized the church in May 1876.

Some of the former pastors include Rev. T.T. Gholston, Dr. Martin L. King Sr., Dr. Sandy F. Ray, Dr. J.W. Tate, Dr. Leonard Ashbury Pinkston and Dr. Hubert Floyd Shepherd.

Rev. Hubert Floyd Shepherd grew up in The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church. His preaching ministry began at the age of 17. He was extended the call to pastor the church in October 1957 and on October 27, led his first worship service as pastor. In December of that same year, Rev. Shepherd married Ivory Collins, and they began almost 50 years of service to the church. Children throughout the Edgewood community began to fill the church and their parents soon followed. The church’s membership flourished so much that it moved on Sunday, December 2, 1973, from 119 Mayson Avenue to 2589 Tilson Road, Decatur, Ga.

The Greater Travelers Rest continued to grow and on Sunday, March 20, 1994, a ground breaking service was held to mark the start of construction on a new building. It was a day of rejoicing on Sunday, September 29, 1996, when the church relocated and dedicated its $8 million, 2,200-seat sanctuary at 2600 H.F. Shepherd Drive, Decatur, Ga.

On March 26, 2003, Rev. H.F. Shepherd retired as pastor, and The Greater Travelers Rest began its search for a new pastor. A pulpit committee was formed and commenced an eight-month search for a new pastor. In November 2003, God sent a Spirit-filled man in E. Dewey Smith Jr., and on December 21, 2003, he was installed as the 22nd pastor of the church. Pastor and Mrs. Smith, along with Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah, are a blessing to The Greater Travelers Rest family. Under Pastor Smith’s leadership, the church has grown phenomenally in membership, attendance and finances. Additionally, a myriad of capital improvements and enhancements have been made.

In August 2009, The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church acquired a new facility, the historic Cathedral located at 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. The property is situated on approximately 55 acres of land. The grounds include: a 7,000-seat auditorium; an 1,800-seat multi-purpose auditorium; two fellowship halls, including one that seats 1,100; 46 classrooms; 60 private offices; a Welcome Center; a gymnasium with a basketball court; a storage and maintenance building; a variety of multi-purpose space; and ample parking.

For more than 132 years Providence has smiled on The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church. While we humbly bask in the blessings of our past, excitement and anticipation overwhelm us as we envision the future. Without a doubt, the best is still yet to come!