Our History
While a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, God gave Reverend Dennis L. Grace a vision to establish a place of worship. Without the knowledge of how, where or with what, Rev. Grace his wife Hermine Grace and their family stepped out on faith. Thus as our early theme stated “We Have Come This Far By Faith”’ truly Rev. Grace and his small band of followers were leaning on the Lord.
The Rev. Dennis L. Grace organized theTimothy Baptist Church in 1967 by gathering a handful of neighborhood children and friends together to hold Sunday School Classes. Studying the word of God was always foremost in Rev. Grace’s plans.
A small Chinese laundry onNorfolk Streetwas converted into a place of worship, with a small yet dedicated membership that began to work towards the church’s growth. While in the midst of growth, this church moved to Bowdoin Street, a converted variety store & entertainment center. Due to continued growth, the church incorporated and was moved to Nelson Street. Timothy received its charter in 1972 and became a member of the United Baptist Convention. Timothy moved to our current location at 35 Highland Street Roxbury, Massachusettsin 1977. During Rev. Grace’s leadership, his wife, Deaconess Hermene Grace established Men and Women’s day as a way to assist in the financial support of the Church. Through this ministry, Timothy has renovated its building and assisted church in making our current place of worship handicap accessible.
Our Founder, Reverend Dennis L. Grace served as pastor from 1967 until his illness and subsequently his death in 1988. Timothy worshiped without a pastor until March of 1989, inviting the Reverend K. Gordon James, who had served as supply Minister during Rev. Grace’s illness. Reverend James served as pastor for a brief period of time.
In December of 1990, Timothy invited the Reverend Harry D. Gerald to pastor. Under Rev. Gerald’s leadership the congregation was nurtured and loved into wholeness. The following, ministries were established: Nurse’s Unit and Men’s Fellowship Ministry. Rev. Gerald served until May of 1992.
Reverend Johnnie C. Smith, an associate minister of the church, being led by the Holy Spirit, accepted the responsibility to served as Worship Leader and spiritual guide. During this period of time Timothy’s family grew spiritually and in number. The New Life Christian orientation classes were established for new members and the church continued to grow. In June of 1993, Rev. Smith was ordained into the Gospel Ministry. Thus, becoming Timothy’s first son to be ordained and licensed into the Gospel Ministry.
In August of 1993, the Reverend Dr. Larry Green accepted the call to pastor Timothy Baptist Church. Timothy has traditionally shared in baptisms. However, during the fall of 1993 Timothy held its first “Timothy only baptism service” at the New Hope Baptist Church baptizing 21 souls into the Kingdom of God. Under the leadership of Pastor Green we modernized our church and broadened our use of technology, established the Male Chorus, and installed a baptism pool.
September 1996, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Green, Bro. Rory Grace was ordained to the office of Deacon. Later in 2003, four Deaconess were set apart to the office of Deaconess
The Deaconess Ministry with its president, Deaconess Betty Green, began the Women’s Evening Bible study, (W.E.B.S.) with classes for all ages. Because of the church’s thirst for the knowledge of the Word of God, in 2005 the W.E.B.S. classes were renamed W.E.B.S, “We Enjoy Bible Study.” W.E.B.S. Classes are enjoyed Mondays through Fridays, and Sunday Mornings during our 8: am. Service taught by Pastor Green. We are becoming a “Word Church” by the help of the Lord.
Timothy Baptist Church has always been known as the little church full of the fire of the Holy Ghost. We attribute our growth to Christian love displayed throughout all levels of the church. There are no visitors in Timothy, only God’s children coming together in fellowship.