Sen. Ossoff Commends Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Its 160th Anniversary

Columbus, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is recognizing Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church on its 160th anniversary with an Official U.S. Senate Commendation.

Founded in 1863 under a grape arbor in an oak grove as Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the congregation has been a mainstay of the Columbus, Georgia community ever since its founding by Brother Boston Miles and Sister Mary Moore, who became the church’s first members.

In January 1988, the Reverend Marcus J. Gibson became the acting pastor and served in that capacity until April 17, 1998, when he was made interim pastor. On February 14, 1999, Reverend Gibson was installed as the twenty-second pastor of the Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church — the same role he maintains today.

Please find Sen. Ossoff’s Official U.S. Senate Commendation to Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church here in the Congressional Record and below:

“Mr. President, I rise to commend Columbus, Georgia’s Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church on its 160th anniversary, celebrated in August 2023.

“Founded in 1863 under a grape arbor in an oak grove as Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the congregation has been a mainstay of the Columbus, Georgia community ever since its founding by Brother Boston Miles and Sister Mary Moore, who became the church’s first members.

“In August 1967, the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia granted full Titles and Deeds of the church building to the Shady Grove congregation, and on March 27, 1968, the Superior Court of Muscogee County duly incorporated the “Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church, Inc,” a name-change to distinguish itself from other churches with the same name.

“In January 1988, the Reverend Dr. Marcus J. Gibson became the acting pastor and served in that capacity until April 17, 1998, when he was made interim pastor. On February 14, 1999, Reverend Gibson was installed as the twenty-second pastor of the Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church — the same role he maintains today.

“Under Pastor Gibson’s leadership, the congregation has continued to flourish, successfully expanding, improving the south parking lot, upgrading the transportation ministry, and remodeling the sanctuary.

“Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church has also added new ministries and programs, including the annual Women's and Laymen's conferences, outreach ministry expansion and improvements, the organization of the liturgical dance ministry, the Mother ministry, the organization of the Sick, Bereavement and Condolence ministry, and initiating of the Deacons Family care.

“Above all, Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church remains a central place for fellowship, community, teaching, and nurturing.

“Mr. President, as Georgia’s U.S. Senator, I commend Reverend Marcus J. Gibson and the Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church on its momentous 160th anniversary, and here’s to many more.”