Statement of Faith
Click here to read our Statement of Faith.
Church Doctrine
Click here to read GSBC’s Doctrine.
Church History
(Click here to read about “Our Legacy” and former pastor.)
The Good Shepherd Baptist Church originated in the heart of the late Sis. Rachel Barnett. March, 1958, Sis. Barnett asked Bro. & Sis. James Parker Sr. to assist her in a Sunday School for boys and girls which was held in her home at 1331 East 110th Street. After holding Sunday School there for two weeks, Sis. Barnett suggested it would be better to meet in a building. She located a storefront at 1208 Parkwood Drive. In September, 1959, Bro. Eddie L. Hawkins was appointed director of the work and it then became known as the Good Shepherd Bible Center. When the Center was consistently filled to capacity, the group purchased a house at 10744 Superior Avenue and converted it into a chapel suitable for worship. In March, 1962, Good Shepherd Bible Center was organized as Good Shepherd Baptist Church with Reverend Eddie L. Hawkins as Pastor.
Again, when we were consistently filled to capacity, the Lord gave us, without down payment, our former building at 13028 Shaw Avenue, September, 1965. The Lord continued to bless, and as we needed more classroom space, he enabled us to purchase the facilities next door in 1974. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; Serving the Lord” Romans 12:11, the Lord gave us our former building on Shaw Avenue “debt free” on March 21, 1976 through an agency of the former Shaw Avenue Baptist Church and Baptist Mid-Missions of Cleveland, OH.
In March, 1982, the pastor along with the Trustee Board and the Deacons appointed a committee to investigate the property here at 17822 Euclid Avenue. The negotiating committee consisted of Bro’s William Saunders (chairman), Ernest Lane, George Yarbrough, and Thomas Champion. The negotiations were brought to a successful conclusion and we held our first worship service here on Sunday, September 12, 1982. On March 15, 1992 we burned the Mortgage here at 17822 Euclid Avenue. God once again has given to us this property “Debt Free” “As the Praises go up the blessings come down” By God’s blessings, we have continued to grow both numerically and Spiritually. In obedience to the leading of the Lord, we have begun two Mission Churches from within our church family. April, 1992, “Central Bible Baptist” and April, 1993, “Faith Fundamental Baptist Church.”
In January of 1988 our own AWANA Club (Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed) II Timothy 2:15, was started here and to date we touch the lives of children weekly. May, 1991 we held our first all night Prayer Vigil and we continue to have quarterly evening Prayer Vigils. On March 1, 1992 classes began in Good Shepherd’s own School Of The Bible, an affiliate of Evangelical Training Association, today known as Cleveland Bible Baptist College.
Pastor Eddie L. Hawkins received an Honorary Degree of Divinity from Cedarville University, June 6, 1998. Our Radio Ministry aired October 19, 2000 – 2001 ~ Our Television Ministry aired March 5, 2001 -2002. The Shepherd’s Haven, Youth Prep Center, Inc.) was birthed September, 2001. “To God Be The Glory” After 50 years of service Dr. Eddie L. Hawkins retired from Ministry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Sunday, July 20, 2008. Rev. Walter L. Ratcliffe was voted in as Senior Pastor, Sunday, July 20, 2008. In August 2009, we held our 1st Annual Friendship Fair, “Serving the Multitude – Serving the Master.” A community event which included a Clothes Giveaway, Food, Games, Health Screenings, Free School supplies, book bags, and haircuts for the children. In September 2011, First Lady April Ratcliffe’s vision of starting a Food Bank here at the church was implemented. The Cleveland Food Bank provides over 12 thousand pounds of produce and other dry goods to our Mobile Pantry every 3rd Saturday of the month. We provide food for hundreds of families in and out of our community annually. Rev. Walter L. Ratcliffe served in ministry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church as Senior Pastor for 14 years.
