GB Dotted CIrcle

Our History, Our Leadership

The General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc. (GBSCWI) spans nearly a century of faith-driven leadership, community engagement, and organizational growth.

PRESIDENT

Reverend Dr. Fredrick Jones

Reverend Dr. Fredrick Jones was installed as the 6th President of the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc. (GBSCWI) on October 14th, 2021. Reverend Dr. Fredrick Jones is the pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Milwaukee WI. As a man led by the Holy Spirit, he envisions, plans and implements the will of God through Christian Education leading God’s people from membership to discipleship through evangelism. President Jones’ goals for the General Baptist State Convention Churches is to continue its 96-year efforts of ministerial outreach to communities and families by building on relationships and serving those as the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Convention to serve.

President Jones has earned an associate degree and Bachelor of Arts. He also has a certificate of completion from the Melvin Gray School of Pastoral Studies in Milwaukee WI. He is currently enrolled in Andersonville Theological Seminary. Dr. Jones has an honorary doctorate bestowed by Arkansas Baptist College. President Jones is a certified instructor for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.-Congress of Christian Education. He has served the GBSCWI as chief financial officer and recently completed serving as GBSCWI 2nd Vice President.

Pastor Jones is a loving, devoted husband to the woman of his life, Marian L. Jones. He is a father and grandfather.

To learn more about President Dr. & Mrs. Fredrick Jones visit: CanaanChurchmke.org

Dr. Jones invites you to visit our National Baptist Convention website to learn more.

Our History

Below is a comprehensive summary of General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Inc.'s (GBSCWI) origins, leadership, and milestones:

Uniting
Churches

Our purpose is to unite churches for a stronger brotherhood

Promoting
Christian Principles

To promote Christian principles and teachings

Supporting Church Growth

Support church growth & the spiritual mission of serving Jesus Christ

Transition to the General Baptist State Convention (1955)
Founding Churches
  1. Calvary Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
  2. Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
  3. Galilee Baptist Church (Milwaukee)
  4. St. Paul Baptist Church (Racine)
  5. Second Baptist Church (Kenosha)
First Elected Leaders
  • Moderator: Reverend S.J. Williams (1924-1926)
  • Vice Moderator: Reverend W.M. Johnson
  • Secretary: Reverend F.W. Pennick
Early Leadership (Moderators)
  • Reverend S.J. Williams (1924-1926) served as the first Moderator.
  • Other Moderators:
    • Reverend W. Boyd
    • Reverend Joseph Washington
    • Reverend Isaac Coggs
    • Reverend Charles H. Broomfield (1936-1948)
    • Reverend W.L. La Beaux (1948-1949)
    • Reverend J.L. Williams (1949-1955)

The records of the moderators' exact years of service are incomplete before Reverend Charles H. Broomfield’s term.

Founding of the State Association 1924
Key Events
  • In 1955, the organization transitioned from a State Association to a Convention for greater organizational strength.
  • Reverend J.L. Williams resigned due to illness, and Reverend Louis Beauchamp was elected as the first president in 1956.
Achievements under Reverend Louis Beauchamp (1956-1983)
  1. Fundraising for Headquarters:
    • The first New Year's banquet fundraiser raised $2,000 for a Baptist Center.
  2. Incorporation (1957):
    • The Convention was officially incorporated in February 1957.
  3. Purchase of Headquarters:
    • On September 1, 1960, the Wisconsin Baptist Center at 2nd and Burleigh, Milwaukee, was purchased for $40,000.
    • The cornerstone of the building was dedicated on September 30, 1962.
Reverend Dr. Hezekiah King Henderson (1984-1989)
Key Achievements

  • Pastor of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church.

  • Led during a period of organizational separation.
Reverend Dr. Donnie Sims (1989-2006)

 

Key Achievements
  • Purchased a new headquarters at 3500 North 26th Street, Milwaukee.
  • Served on the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Board of Directors under the presidency of Reverend Dr. Henry Lyons.
  • Honored in 2018 for 50 years of pastoral service.
Reverend Dr. Hugh Davis, Jr. (2006-2011)

 

Key Achievements
  • Pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
  • Strengthened the Convention during his term as the 4th president.
  •  
Transformative Leadership of Reverend Dr. Garry Levy (2011-2021)
Reverend Dr. Garry Levy (2011-2021)
Key Achievements 
  1. Youngest President:
      • Became the 5th president and youngest to serve in October 2011.
      • Served two consecutive 5-year terms (2011-2021).
    2. Faith and Wellness Advocacy:
      • Established the H.O.P.E. Ministry (Health Outreach Prevention Education) to promote health and wellness.
      • Set the goal of having a H.O.P.E. ambassador in each of the 33,000 National Baptist churches nationwide.
      • Worked with the White House to raise awareness about faith and wellness.
    3. Community Partnerships:
      • Fostered partnerships with the Lac Du Flambeau Tribe and RiverWorks Development Corporation to serve underserved communities.
      • Collaborated with health organizations to improve community health and wellness.
    4. National Recognition and Grants:
      • Returned the GBSCWI to its status as a member of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
      • Helped secure the largest federal grant in the Convention’s history: $3.75 million in July 2021 for the All of Us Research Program.
Current Leadership under Reverend Dr. Fredrick Jones (2021-Present)
Dr. Fredrick Jones (2021-Present)
Key Initiatives
  • Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Milwaukee.
  • Began serving as the 6th president in October 2021.

Ongoing Initiatives:

  • Continued support of the H.O.P.E. Ministry.
  • Maintains partnerships with organizations like:
    • Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA)
    • American Heart Association
    • American Cancer Society
    • Medical College of Wisconsin
Key Milestones in Convention History
Milestones
  • 1924: Founding of the State Association by five Baptist churches in Southeast Wisconsin.
  • 1956: Election of Reverend Louis Beauchamp as the first president and incorporation of the Convention.
  • 1960: Purchase of the first headquarters at 2nd and Burleigh in Milwaukee.
  • 1989-2006: Leadership of Reverend Dr. Donnie Sims and the purchase of a new headquarters.
  • 2011-2021: Reverend Dr. Garry Levy’s transformative leadership, including the establishment of the H.O.P.E. Ministry and the $3.75 million federal grant.
Legacy of the GBSCWI
Our Legacy

From its humble beginnings in 1924, the GBSCWI has grown into a pivotal faith-based organization in Wisconsin.

    • The Convention’s history is marked by resilience, visionary leadership, and commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of its members and communities.
    • It remains a vital part of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., with a focus on advocacy, socio-economic challenges, health, and education.