| The Greater Evergreen Missionary
Baptist Church was organized in 1948 by Reverend D.W.
Smith with less than 40 members. Evergreen was
located in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Glasper on
the corner of "F" and Van Buren Streets in Las
Vegas. Rev. D.W. Smith named the church
Evergreen. We believe God inspired him,
because an evergreen is forever green and has life
in season and out of season. Its branches
spring out in all areas and lives regardless of how
the wind blows or the storm rages or how how the sun
shines. In 1955 the Deacons
and Trustees purchased a lot and constructed a
building at 1113 North "H" Street. The
building was dedicated and set apart to worship God
in spirit and truth. They grew in membership
to 66 members. Rev. D.W. Smith served several
years. Out of the body of Evergreen Missionary
two new churches were born: Victory Baptist
Church in 1961 pastored by A.J. Thompson and New
Morning Star Baptist Church (today known as Greater
Carver) pasted by Rev. A.B. Carr in 1965.
With the establishment of Greater
Carver and Rev. A.B. Carr as its Pastor, Evergreen
was without a leader. Rev. J.L. Simmons,
Moderator of the Pride of the West Association -
appointed by Rev. Leon Davis as Missionary to carry
on until a new Pastor was elected. In
December, 1965 the Lord blessed Evergreen Missionary
Baptist Church with Pastor Nathaniel Whitney as its
leader. However, we celebrate his anniversary
in November.
The church has grown in grace,
membership and favor with God. It was not long
before the little church on "H" Street was too small
for its growth. God demonstrated his favor by
touching the heart of a widow named Edith who owned
4.9 acres of land. He led Evergreen's young
Deacon Benard Hawkins III to her and they were able
to negotiate a satisfactory price of $20,000 for the
purchase of the land. An Architect was hired
to design a building plan and Deacon Benard Hawkins,
Jr. was assigned the task of Project Director.
Ground breaking and actual work on
the building began late in 1982. Before the
building was completed, on April 13, 1983 a young
boy set a fire that destroyed it. It took
almost three years to re-group and then get the
project finished. But with the constant prayer
and commitment of the membership, financial and
physical support of the Latter Day Saints Community,
dedication of friends like Rev. Donell Horn and
others - their hearts were encouraged, their
strength renewed and the mission was accomplished.
On February 1986, the Evergreen Missionary Baptist
Church marched from 1113 North "H" Street to the
Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church at 1915
Lexington Street.
God gave the late Rev. Lieutenant
Peterson a vision to reorganize a choir for
Evergreen. Our choir has grown under the
leadership of Sister Dolly Hawkins and Deacon Benard
Hawkins, III.
Under the leadership of Pastor
Nathaniel Whitney, our membership grew to 1200.
The Word is being preached, saints are being called
to discipleship and baptized. Our Youth
programs have increased tremendously.
On March 19, 2005 Pastor Nathaniel
Whitney retired to the position as Pastor Emeritus.
Greater Evergreen continues to walk down the path
God has laid out. Pray that the Church will continue
to increase their faith and strive to introduce
Jesus Christ to the lost.
Greater Evergreen Missionary
Baptist Church was originated 56 years ago. We've
been registered as a Church for 49 years. May
God continually bless us. |