Greater White Stone M.B. Church

Greater White Stone Missionary
Baptist Church

History of GWS

Honor Celebration of
Rev. Joseph H. McGhee, Jr., Pastor Emeritus

IN MEMORY - Our Former First Lady, Mrs. Vennie McGhee
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church is a Christian institution that was founded August 15, 1925, by Reverend Major J. Jenkins. The original church had its inception at 512 Williams Avenue. In the fall of 1928 the church moved to its present location - 917 South Wellington Street. Rev. Jenkins served as the first pastor until his death in 1943.

Rev. H. R. Jelks was chosen to lead the church from 1944 following the death of Rev. Jenkins. Rev. Jelks served until 1946. In the year 1955 a minister, who was ordained by his brother - Rev. J. W. Williams, confessed his calling and accepted the position as minister of Greater White Stone M.B. Church. This minister was Reverend Alton R. Williams. Rev. Williams served GWS until his death in January 1972.

The Reverend Joseph H. McGhee, Jr. was elected on April 12, 1972. Under the pastoralship of Rev. Joseph McGhee, our church's property has risen extensively. Many improvements and renovatations have taken place under Rev. McGhee's leadership. One of his major goals has been to purchase additional property for the expansion of the church, sanctuary, and parking lot. His other goal is empowering our young people to continue their education. We are thankful for Rev. McGhee's vision and for his continuous encouragement to our young people.

Rev. Joseph McGhee, Jr. officially retired as the pastor of GWS after thirty-eight years of faithful and diligent serve. His exquisite and elegant Retirement Celebration as held on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at GWS and was well attended by friends, dignitaries, and representatives of the City of Memphis, as he was instrumental in contributing many wonderful things to the community and to his church as well. He has no regrets for the years of service that he gave to the Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. McGhee’s philosophy of life has been the following: "One must learn to work hard for what he wants to achieve. Christ has never failed to help people who are interested in helping themselves. To receive a blessing, one must be willing to give of himself. One must work while the day is present, for when night cometh, no man can work!"

Although, Rev. McGhee has officially retired from the position of church pastor, he will always remain dear to our hearts for his vision, accomplishments, and for his never-ending love and devotion to the youth and young people at Greater White Stone Church.

Therefore, thanks, Rev. McGhee for your faithful service and your dedication to the ministry of God, for giving of yourself, your time, and your many gifts, and for answering the call of the Good Shepherd by feeding His sheep, the members of the Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church.




"A Moment From the Past"
Greater White Stone M.B. Church Choir - 1935!
Rev. M. J. Jenkins, Pastor
Senior Choir
Jan. 9, 1935

Honor Ceremony at Christ Missionary Baptist Church for
Rev. Joseph H. McGhee, Jr.
Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart, Pastor
November 1, 2009





My Tribute to My Pastor,

REV. JOSEPH H. McGHEE, JR.


Thank You,
 For giving of yourself, your time, and your many gifts...

Thank You,
 For loving the Lord and extending that love to the people...

Thank You,
 For answering the call of the Shepherd to feed His sheep...

Thank You,
 For serving, sharing, praying, and leading...
For all the ways you minister, big and small...

Thank You,
 For teaching us that all things do work together for good to them that love God...

Thank You,
 For training us to lift our eyes upon to the Lord...
For all of our help in times of need...

Thank You,
 For advocating the full amour of God...
As our protection against the evils of this world...

"You’re a blessing, Rev. McGhee!"

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have refreshed the hearts of the saints."
Philemon 1:7 NIV


Glenda Faye Pryor-Johnson
Webmaster
November 4, 2009

Photos courtesy of Ms. De' Clayborn



"A MEMORIAL - TO MRS. VENNIE MAE SCATES MCGHEE" ~~~ "WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!"

Mrs. Vennie McGhee
Mrs. Vennie Mae Scates McGhee

Mrs. Vennie McGhee was born September 6, 1927, in Trezevant, TN, which is located in Carroll County. She was the first of seven children born to the late Charlie Scates and the late Birdie Coleman Scates. She departed this life Friday, September 1, 2006, in Methodist University Hospital at 3:20 p.m.

At an early age, she invited Christ into her life and became a member of the Wingo Missionary Baptist Church in Trezevant. After coming to Memphis, she was united with the Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Churh under the leadership of the late Rev. A. R. Williams. Mrs. McGhee was united in holy matrimony with Rev. McGhee on November 25, 1964. They remained a loyal and devoted unit until her death.

Mrs. McGhee attend the Wingo Elementary School in Trezevant and the excellent Webb High School in McKenzie, TN. After graduating from Lane College in Jackson, TN, she taught at the National Baptist Seminary and later served as a Home Demonstration agent in Fayette County, TN. After working in these capactities, Mrs. McGhee decided to become a public school teacher. She taught for forty-two years in the Memphis City and Shelby County Schools System.

Mrs. McGhee leaves to recall her wonderful life: a devoted and wonderful husband, the Rev. Joseph H. McGhee, Jr; two brothers, Charlie Scates and Rev. Nathaniel Scates; one sister, Joyce Scates; two sisters-in-law, Erma Scates and Arvie Z. Scates; and one aunt, Willie M. Bledsoe. In addition, Mrs. McGhee leaves a host of other relatives, friends, and especially the Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church Family to remember her. Mrs. Vennie Mae Scates McGhee will be missed by everyone who knew her.

We love you and we will forever remember your kind words of encouragement.

Mrs. Vennie McGhee
"For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..."
II Timothy 4:6-8



"A Message From The Health Ministry"

LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE

Psalm 33:21 - "For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name."


The lyrics of a song say "When you laugh, the world laughs with you, when you cry, you cry all alone." Actually, there is nothing wrong with either laughing or crying. They are expressions of honest human emotions and often will make you feel less frustrated and less angry. A laugh is like sunshine on a cloudy day. Life without laughter is dreary. An honest laugh will cheer up everyone. It is the chorus of conversations. Whatever else is said, laughter among friends is the glue that holds people together. Victor Hugh said, "I like laughter that opens the lips and the heart, and reveals at the same time, the pearls of the soul."

In his book, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale explains that certian disease ailments respond to a healthy emotional attitude which can be prompted by laughter. Scientists are now discovering that laughter and a positive attitude can increase the release of endorphins and promote the manufacture of T-cells. Endorphins elevate mood and decrease sensitivity to pain. T-cells act like sentinels in our blood to remove harmful microorganisms and cells. Conversely, depression can lower your immune system and your endorphins.

When you laugh, electrical impulses are triggered and chemicals are released into your blood stream that dull pain and tranquilize the soul. Other substances that are released with laughter improve digestion, make the blood vessels relax to improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.

An old philosopher said over a hundred years ago, "Laughter is the most healthful exercise. It is one of the greatest helps to digestion with which I am acquainted. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, electrifies the nerves and clears away the cobwebs from the brain. It is the cheapest luxury man enjoys."




I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-8




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