The Greater Heights Missionary Baptist Church was born out of the tribulation and adversity of Pastor N. Curtis Bryant after serving 15 years in a traditional 100-year-old church in Nashville, TN. As a result he resolved to leave on September 16, 2007. The result was a split of the congregation, which formed a new and different fellowship.

 

However, upon his leaving the church, as God directed his steps, he was led to start a new church and founded Greater Heights Missionary Baptist Church, which began meeting on October 10, 2007 at 933 10th Avenue North. It was the Hope Garden Community Resource Center (a community development organization facility established by Pastor Bryant.) It was just two blocks from the previous fellowship. There were less than 20 attendees at the first worship. It was there that a group of 33 people organized and continued to worship, give, and believe God for needed favor, restoration and direction. Pastor Bryant, as the new founder, informed the people that, “God said, “Fear not…I am with you.” (Isa. 41:10) And it was God who brought much healing, compassion, and strength for the road ahead.

 

The initial worship services were filled with the presence of God even though the people were in an untraditional atmosphere. The sermons were passionate, powerful and productive. One such powerful message was, “Tell Pharaoh Goodbye!” (Exodus 14:13). Pastor Bryant would preach and teach the Word of God, and his son would play the keyboard for praise and worship, and his wife, Jaivonna, Mother Seats and others would sing. Seeing our faith, several others joined us.

 

When names were recommended and considered for the new church, members put names in a box. After much prayer and a process of elimination, the new name (submitted by Sister Adria Webb), “Greater Heights”, was chosen by the members. Greater Heights was selected because it suited the fellowship’s experience, purpose, mission and vision. The members were determined, along with the pastor, to not let anything keep us from reaching our divine destiny.

 

In November of 2007, the church was informed that it must vacate the facility because it was a city government owned building, which could not be used to house and maintain worship by a church. After prayer for direction, a short time later, one of the church members (William Hobbs) identified a vacant building that could be used for worship services in a nearby neighborhood.

 

While Pastor Bryant was praying for God’s help and asking Him to send someone to help him, he received a call for the owner of the fore-mentioned facility, who said, “I saw your story on the news. And God told me to help you. Can you come see the building tomorrow?” It was the same building, which had been identified by Brother Hobbs. It was then that the pastor and members agreed to go see the facility at 1600 14th Ave. North, Nashville, TN. It was in rough condition, it was also costly, but it was more than adequate for the purpose. When Pastor Bryant was asked, “Do you think the church can afford it?” He replied, “The Lord will provide!” The owner said, “That’s what I wanted to do here.”

 

The building at 1600 was previously a nightclub, grocery store, game room and neighborhood laundry. This strip mall in the ghetto had been abandoned and purchased by a 75-year-old resident of the community (Johnny Burroughs) who purchased numerous other properties in the North Nashville area. This location at 1600 14th Ave. North was a dangerous and troubled neighborhood. It’s humble storefront was located in one of neighborhoods with one of the highest crime rates of all of Nashville. The corner was a stronghold of Satan and which had been previously owned and operated by drug-dealers and the criminal element. The first day of viewing the property, there were 17 drug dealers on the corner and two crack houses occupying and operating in full force on the opposite corners of the street.

 

After meeting with the owner and considering what we believed to be the will of God, we pursued the acquisition. But by faith, it was here that Greater Heights would settle. To God be the glory! The new church had little money and no established credit. However, the owner agreed to finance the purchase. Our church was excited and apprehensive about this being our new home. After meeting and agreeing this was God’s predestined site, on Sunday, January 13, 2008, Pastor Bryant announced to the church of its move to 1600. A schedule was established for the rehabilitation of the facility and on February 3, 2008, the newly established Church’s new location was held. On February 10, 2008 was Dedication Sunday. Then Sunday February 17 was Full House Sunday. And Sunday February 24 at 3:00pm was the Church Birthing Sunday, the mother church being First Baptist Church South Inglewood, Rev. Henry K. Smith, Jr. pastor.

 

Today, the corner of 1600 14th Ave. North is flourishing with new families, children playing, elderly sitting on the porches, homes being rehabilitated, new homes being built and souls being saved. Many conversions and baptisms have taken place as a result of the newly established ministry. Every first Sunday baptisms took place without exception. One Sunday there were a total of 26 candidates for baptism.

 

The church move was not without its challenges. However, the Holy Spirit led Pastor Bryant to assure the church the Word of God in II Corinthians 1:20 for the fulfillment of our destiny. It says, “For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” With a large monthly mortgage and only a handful of members, God reminded Pastor Bryant and the people that He was THE SOURCE OF SUPPLY. Pastor Bryant turned his eyes to God and faithfully confessed God’s Word for increase and growth. New members steadily came each year, and the church’s growth soon led to the need for still a larger worship center.