Gethsemane Apostolic Church began with humble beginnings with the late Elder Shem Ellis and approximately 17 adults and five children in November of 1979. The saints first assembled under a pecan tree beside an old warehouse. The first services were conducted in an old warehouse called the “Boozer.” Under the leadership of Elder Shem Ellis, the church continued to worship in the warehouse for several months. After a brief illness, Elder Ellis passed away in May of 1981.

Our present pastor, Bishop Calvin McNeil was standing by ready, willing and available. He was anointed, called and sent by God to the Lynchburg area in 1981. At that time, Bishop McNeil wore the title of Elder Calvin McNeil. He, his wife, their two sons and a small group of saints continued worshipping in the warehouse for 2 years and nine months. After much fasting, praying, and seeking God for answers, God blessed the ministry to purchase several acres of land on Highway 76 in Lynchburg SC.  God allowed the saints to march into our first sanctuary in May of 1984. The church continued to grow and an expansion was added to the first church in 1991.