ABOUT US
THE HISTORIC GREATER FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH
The Greater Friendship Baptist Church was organized in November 1955. Led by Rev. Ronald Bibbs and Rev. Jenkins, the following members organized the church: Sis Florence Anderson, Sis. Lula Bridgeman, Sis. Caldonia Brown, Deacon Foster, Deacon Hollis Martin, Sis Julia Swanson, and Mother Mozelle Swoopes.
The church then called C.W. Alexander as its pastor. The church moved to several locations including Hubbard Memorial Hall on 83rd and Cedar Avenue before its current location of Arlington Avenue. Upon Pastor Alexander's resignation, the church unanimously called Calvin T. Nelson as Pastor who served until the Lord called him home.
Rev. Larry Wayne Howard became the pastor in May 1972 and led us higher in the Lord for 50 years. Many accomplishments have been made, many souls have been saved, and the membership has grown.
Greater Friendship has been designated a historical landmark. Since the distinguished title was bestowed upon Greater Friendship, the church has been called “The Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church”.
Pastor Howard retired in September 2022. In May 2023, the church then called Rev. D. Calvin Wade as pastor with a vision of hope for the future.
_JPG.jpg)
OUR PASTOR:
REV. D. CALVIN WADE
Pastor D. Calvin Wade, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is Senior Pastor of The Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
In 2009, he was licensed as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ at Morning Star Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio under the tutelage of the Reverend Doctor Earl Preston Jr. He was ordained at Second Baptist Church of Medina in Medina, Ohio in 2012 under the Pastorate of Reverend Doctor Cornell P. Carter.
Pastor Wade’s background of learning and service in the body of Christ have been influenced by great men of God such as, the late Most Reverend Robert L. Hubbard of Crawford Road Christian Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
Pastor Wade’s academic pursuits include sociology and urban studies and he is currently pursuing psychology.
He is married to the lovely First Lady Melodie S. Wade and is the proud father of De’Ja E. Wade, Cadence Z. Wade, and Gia L. Wade.
Pastor Wade is humbled at the opportunity to answer his call to preach and teach the Word of God and serve the body of Christ.