The Past

The Valley Brook Baptist Church has its history rooted in sensitivity to the movement of the Holy Spirit. It was founded during a time of challenge and became successful against all odds. The history of the church is a modern testimony to the Hand of God and the face of pressure.

In 1987, the late Pastor A.B. Sherman and his wife, the late Mother Elizabeth Sherman, his son-in-law, Dea. William R. Johnson, Jr., and his daughter, Sis. Sadie Johnson all simultaneously sensed a calling upon their lives to organize a church. The year of 1987 was a time of economic recession and it was thought foolish by many to initialize anything new during that period. In addition, Pastor Sherman was 73 years old, considered “too old” to start anything new. But, God has consistently proven through this ministry that “He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”

Founded in 1987 in Pastor and Mother Sherman’s home, the church began to grow rapidly. Late in 1990, the church was invited by Mr. Robert Settles, and moved to have services at the Webb’s Settles Funeral Home in Greenville. The Lord added tremendously to the church while there. In November 1992, the first services were held in the old sanctuary.

In March 1993 Pastor Sherman felt the leading of the Lord to recommend that his grandson, the Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, become the new pastor. He was ordained in May 1993 and installed in July 1993. Since Pastor Johnson began leading the ministry, it has continued to build tremendously upon the solid foundation laid by Pastor Sherman and the founders of the church. The church has added many ministries, including many community outreach efforts that have resulted in the church becoming one of the fastest growing churches in the city.

We are striving as a ministry to move in progressing degrees “From the world to the church; from the church to the Kingdom; and from the Kingdom to the King.”