Church History
The late Reverend J. A. Henry and three faithful sisters founded Greater Starlight Baptist Church in 1931 in Covington, Louisiana. At that time, it was a meager lodge hall located by the railroad tracks. When membership increased, they were able to purchase an old, small, wood-framed house for $100.00. It was moved to 521 West 28th Avenue and renovated.During the years 1939 and 1940, the church underwent a change in leadership. The late Reverend Coleman Callahan, Sr., began his effective ministry. In the course of his tenure, membership grew enormously. They moved the old building towards the back of the lot and erected a strong, modern, block-brick church. Many pastors, ministers, officials, and Christian organizations had their humble beginnings under Reverend Coleman Callahan’s leadership. This pastor and his wife, the late Sister Annie Callahan, untiringly served the church until 1969.
The late and beloved Reverend Lawrence Tyson began pastoring in the fall of that same year (1969). He labored patiently and prayerfully through many troublesome times as he did all God had asked of him. Pastor Tyson, due to of his unwavering obedience and faith in God, gave the church eight years of unselfish service. Because of this, Greater Starlight stood stronger and continued to grow. The church purchased two adjacent lots and the vision of an elegant sanctuary captured the minds of the congregation. Shortly after the foundation was laid, Rev. Tyson departed this life on Thursday, March 2, 1978. Before the month of March ended, God gave Greater Starlight one of His best, the young and talented Reverend Mallery Callahan, Sr. who at this time was the assistant pastor.
Under Pastor Mallery Callahan’s efficient leadership, the sanctuary was completed, a Fellowship Hall built in 1988, and ministries reorganized and strengthened. Greater Starlight offered Bible Study classes that produced matured Christians, a Sunday school that deepened our discipleship, and a compelling involvement in home and foreign mission. In the late 1990s, being fully aware of the role of the church and the plight of his members, Pastor Callahan’s compassion for this community became overwhelming. He established several programs: the Kiddie Kollege Day Care for infants, a teen pregnancy prevention program that has counseled more than 150 teens, a home study after-school program, and a LEAP tutorial program.
In 2000, God gave Pastor Callahan the vision of a multipurpose center. This vision became a reality in 2010 because of the unyielding faith and sacrifice of Pastor Callahan, his deacons and committed members.
Today the Education Center facilitates our Sunday School classes, summer reading programs, banquets, seminars, educational classes, and other activities.
Greater Starlight, in 2014, launched yet another undertaking, the acquisition of more real estate. The church acquired the lot adjacent to the Fellowship Hall from the Dutch family. Later in September of 2015, the church purchased three lots from the Richardson family. This land sits directly across from the present sanctuary and is used for parking. It also purchased a new van and a new bus with a handicap lift.
In January of 2018, Pastor Mallery Callahan, Sr., was diagnosed with cancer. Even after this diagnosis, he continued his faithful dedication; and in March of 2018, he celebrated 40 years of diligent and unwavering service to the Lord. The task of continuing to move the church forward rested upon his son, Mallery Callahan, II. In May of 2018, with the unanimous vote and support of the congregation, Pastor Callahan, II assumed the leadership role with humility, enthusiasm and strength.
Pastor Callahan, Sr. often stated that one of his prayers was that he would live to see his successor. The Lord answered that prayer, and on September 2, 2018, Reverend Mallery Callahan, II was installed as the fifth pastor of the Greater Starlight Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter, Pastor Mallery Callahan, Sr. won his “Fight of Faith” on September 9, 2018.
Pastor MCII’s powerful teaching, preaching and dynamic organizational skills are some of his undeniable gifts. His spiritual insight is to continuously lead Greater Starlight Baptist Church well into the future as it continues its mission of winning souls to the Kingdom of GOD. Today we celebrate a rich history and the promise of a brilliant future. God has been faithful to Greater Starlight and is continuing to keep His arms around us. As we remember the trials and blessed accomplishments of the past, let us not forget that God has plans for our tomorrows.
Greater Starlight Baptist Church truly must confess: Psalm 46:5:
“God is in the midst of the church; she shall not be moved.”