Our History

Under the leadership of the first pastor, Rev. Sam Stinson, The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church was formed in 1876 by a Sunday school and prayer meeting group. Rev. William Tillman (Father Tillman), pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church, organized the church in May 1876.

Some of the former pastors include Rev. T. T. Gholston, Dr. Martin L. King Sr., Dr. Sandy F. Ray, Dr. J. W. Tate, Dr. Leonard Ashbury Pinkston and Dr. Hubert Floyd Shepherd.

Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr.

SENIOR PASTOR/TEACHER

Dr. E. Dewey Smith is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta, Macon and West Pointe – one church in three locations – with a membership roll of more than 10,000. A proud native of Macon, Ga., he has been a minister of the gospel for over 30 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoral ministry at 19. God has highly favored Dr. Smith by allowing explosive growth and outreach to accompany his ministry.