Gethsemane Christian Church

In 1994, a small group of Christian friends, were led to form a church. On July 23rd, our first meeting was held to organize “Gethsemane Christian Church” under the leadership of Rev. Melvin D. Rankin. The founding members were: Rev. Melvin & Betty Rankin, Deacon William & Ardelia Hazell, Brenda H. Torain, Walter & Dolly Hazell, Dimples Albright, Connie Burnett, Mary Gray, Reamus Nixon, Glenda Randolph, Dreama Robinson, Eugene & Annie Pearl Thompson, Gary & Debbie Thompson, Jerry Vanhook, Sheila Wade and Randell Whitaker.
We met again on the 3rd Saturday of August. The organization was completed when a place of worship was secured and made ready for our first morning worship service on September 4th, 1994 at 104 B Hanover Road, Graham, North Carolina.
Upon organizing the church, various organizations were formed such as the Pastor’s Aid, Missionary, Usher Board. ,The Melvin D. Rankin Mass choir, and the Youth Choir. In the later part of 1996, the Inspirational Choir & Male Chorus, were established. Our music department has been blessed through the years with musicians such as Mike Graves, Margo Dilliard, Joe Jeffries, Rev. Lucian Sellars, Gary Corbett, Obra Graves, Brian Corbett (bass guitar), and Davie Cates (drummer).
In November 1996, the Gethsemane Family moved into a new facility, located at 1009 Sharpe Road, Burlington, North Carolina. Over the years, we truly enjoyed our new home with numerous anniversaries of our various organizations and choirs. After 5 years of service our founder and Pastor offered his resignation in May of 1999. The responsibility of the church fell on our church officers.
Standing steadfast in the Lord, we searched for a shepherd to lead the flock. After much fasting and praying, the Lord came through and answered our prayers. Rev. James O. Patrick, God’s sent man, was called as Pastor of Gethsemane. Under the leadership of Pastor Patrick, Gethsemane Christian Church has grown and has made a tremendous impact upon the surrounding community. We believe God has ordained Gethsemane to be a church committed to serving and equipping the saints for warfare while continuing to march forward, to be the Church God has called for in these last days. Pastor Patrick is blessed to have in his family, Mrs. Lenese Patrick, his wife, 3 daughters, and 4 grandchildren. Rev. Patrick was officially installed as pastor on July 23, 2000. His ability to inspire others has enabled us to reach out to others in our community and surrounding areas. We see the spiritual growth taking place as he continues to teach the word of God.
Stepping into the 21st Century with a bang, God has enabled us to continue our out-reach ministry, branching further out as we gather others from surrounding cities. In the past years, Gethsemane has been blessed to assist other organizations throughout the community; helping to host events such as National Night Out with Burlington Housing Authority, helping in the distribution of pamphlet’s informing community personnel of important community events, and for over 5 years we have provided food to needed families on a monthly basics.
In September of 2005, Gethsemane Christian Church entered into a Covenant Of Power Agreement with Trinity Christian Church, Rockwood Michigan, under the leadership of Pastor Rodney Wade. Since 2004 our churches have grown into one family, encouraging and supporting each other in ministry, and hosting annual revival services both in Michigan and in North Carolina. This partnership, has helped both churches to better train our leaders, and offer the necessary support for ministry.
With the additions of adding new Ministry descriptions in 2007, In July 2008, Gethsemane acquired our new ministry headquarters located at 1650 Burch Bridge Rd. Our first service was held August 17th, 2008.
In June 2009, Gethsemane began its Vision Summer Camp and after school program servicing both our members and others throughout the community. The ministry was launched further by also beginning its TV ministry.
The Lord has truly continued to bless this Ministry. We are all made different by the effectual working of the spirit in this place. To everyone who continues to offer there support, know that we are truly grateful and appreciative. We give God all the praise for His faithfulness and His continued blessings.