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. Over the years, Gethsemane Apostolic has grown to consist of several members housed in a custom built facility. The church has evolved into an abundantly equipped ministry that now services the congregates and the community through life-changing ministries such as: deacons, usher board, missionary department, brotherhood, women’s department, youth department, Sunday School, healing hands ministry, audio/visual ministry and choirs.

   

God gave Bishop McNeil a vision for the second phase of Gethsemane Apostolic and construction began on a larger sanctuary in 2003. During the erection of the second building, Bishop McNeil and the church family were faced with many obstacles and hardships, but they continued to do the will of God. On June 18, 2005, the current edifice was dedicated to the Lord. It was a time of rejoicing, praising and thanking God for his numerous blessings. After approximately 8 years, under the strong spiritual leadership and financial guidance of Bishop McNeil, the Gethsemane church family conducted a mortgage burning ceremony on June 15, 2013 to celebrate the paying off of our current sanctuary.

 

Today, Gethsemane continues not to be a building for building sake, but it is deliberately purposed to provide the necessary spaces for God’s people to minister effectively and to take the Kingdom message to the nations.