Genesis Missionary Baptist Church
7705 E. 87th St., Raytown, MO
GMBC Church History
A group of anointed couples and friends - Reverend Henry and Jessie Levingston Sr.,
Alfred and Dolores Floyd, George and Ruth Foster, and Ernest Whitfield – gathered
around a vision to provide theological education, spiritual guidance, and economic
nurturing within their community. From that vision, the group founded a mission band on April 1, 1963, located at 2600 Bales in Kansas City, MO. A few months later, a meeting was called by Rev. Henry Levingston with the goal of establishing a church. This vision was led alongside Deacon Whitfield, and a property was purchased on December 21,1963, laying the foundation for the first church home. The band held its first service on December 29, 1963, at 3317 East 26th Street.
To officially be recognized as a Baptist organization and have Rev. Henry Levingston
installed as Pastor, a district council was called, including the following MidWest District council leaders: Pastor C.L. Dixon, Rev. L.E. Welch, Rev. Gaines, Pastor Columbus Short, Rev. S.K Bonds, Rev. Simons, Rev. D.H. Harris, and Rev. R.J. Guyton. Out of this historic meeting Genesis Missionary Baptist Church was established, the church was officially inducted into the Midwest District receiving the charge from Rev. Bonds. The doors of the church were officially opened, welcoming the following notable first group of members: Jessie Levingston, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Floyd, Sidney Winfield, Charles Levingston, Bobbie Levingston, Mr. and Mrs. George Foster, Mr. And Mrs. Ernest Whitfield, Theresa Levingston, and Doris Levingston.
With wisdom and courage, Pastor Henry Levingston was a devoted shepherd for 23
years, watching and caring for his flock and establishing numerous ministries and
auxiliaries. On April 23 rd , 1987, after preaching his final sermon, Going Home to Get MyReward,” as a guest speaker at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, he went to sleep in this mortal world as he sat down in the pulpit chair and rose in Heaven. These spirit-filled leaders followed his legacy:
● Rev. Leonard Butler Sr. (1988-1992)
● Rev. C.E. Bryant (1992-1995) and
● Pastor Lesley J. Winfield Jr. (1995-present)
From 1963-1989, the church envisioned a larger space to call home with a new location. In 1989, the church extended this dream by purchasing property at 3307 E. 26th St., From which a new building was constructed under Bro. David Lyman’s leadership. In 1999, an adored neighbor, Sis. Lillian Frasier passed away while leaving her home for GMBC. The church transformed the property into a transit home for troubled men, a place of redemption and community outreach. Rev. Richard Bishop and Bro. Mark Edwards established The Fraiser House program. Later, it was used as an annex for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes.

Even though the church owned the lots between Indiana and College, we could not
build a new sanctuary there due to facing challenges with the city. Through continued prayer and consideration, God gave a vision and a plan to Pastor Winfield and the building committee, led by Henry Levingston Jr., who found our current location. Our current location 7705 E. 87 th Street was transformed from an abandoned McDonald’s building into a beautiful new sanctuary for worship, education and fellowship. The new doors opened in November 2004, a few months ahead of the intended date. We give all praises and honor to God for all that He has allowed accomplish. During the church's early years, the deacon board was formed, a group of ordained men dedicated to the church's vision. Over the years, the appointed men on this board included but were not limited to Alfred Floyd, Ernest Whitfield, Henry Washington, Eddie Flakes, Dave Carr, Lesley Winfield Jr., Curtis Levingston, Glen Winfield, Michael Flight, Raymond Griffin, Harold Levingston, Zerihune Dissassa, Calvin Gaines, William Rowe, Willie Abercrombie, Charles Levingston, Shedrick Davis, Adrian Roger, and James Loveless who is currently the board’s chairman. Out of these men, seven were ordained as ministers and/or called to pastor their own congregations, forever recognizing Genesis for the definition of its name - the origin of roots that are destined to grow into spiritual greatness. This group of men included the late Rev. Alfred Floyd; Pastor Eddie Flakes of Blue Valley Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO; Pastor Curtis Levingston of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, IL; Rev. Rickey Levingston, former pastor of Central Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK; Rev. Michael Fight, an officer of the National Baptist Convention, residing in Detroit, MI; and Pastor Lesley Winfield Jr., the shepherd of our beloved church home today. Among this family of pastors and churches, Genesis still fellowships in harmony, worship, and praise, demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promise to a faithful mans seed. Along with our dedicated deacons, numerous associate ministers have also impacted the church. Two notable mentions include Minister Derrick Reed, who was licensed by our current pastor and moved on to serve at other local churches, and Minister Orlando Jordan who is currently residing in Jackson, MS. Genesis has a rich history of worshipping through songs of praise. In 1964, there were two choirs- an adult choir, under the leadership of Deacon Alfred Floyd as a pianist and Director Theresa Levingston Bishop, and a children’s choir, under the leadership of Director Bobbie Levingston Washington, who went on to direct the Young Adults and Adults later in history. Sister Faye Drew, who directed the young adult and children choir is the current adult choir director. Also established in the late 1970’s was an angel choir directed by Lesley Winfield Jr., pianist was Cheryl Floyd, Since the covid pandemic only the adults choir has been functioning. This year 2025 God placed on the hearts of Sis Sandy Collins and Ditu Dissassa to reestablish the youth choir which God is adding to abundantly. Deacon Alfred Floyd was our first pianist after his resignation First Lady Regina Winfield served as the church’s pianist for 30+ years. The choir has been blessed with other pianists, Jessica Washington-Nixon who assisted in her young years, Minister Derek Reed, Larry Dixon, Di-Tu Dissassa and Roc’chezter Moore. The church also had numerous drummers, including, but not limited to, Walt Coppage Sr., Joshua Jones, Dominic Tyson, Tony Newbill and Makeeta Moore. Currently, the adult choir pianist is Fred Fuqua. We were blessed with a faithful and God-fearing drummer Terrance Fuller from 2019 until 2025 who God choose to call from labor to reward in April of this year. The Genesis church family is still mourning His loss but understand that God has given him his reward. The WMU was started by the late Mother Jessie Levingston, who served as the President for many years, followed by:
● Sister Theresa Bishop (12-year leadership)
● Sister Linda Lyman (6-year leadership)
● Sister Deborah Thomas (current leader)
This mission has accomplished various outreach programs, such as serving schools,
the impoverished, nursing facilities, and the community at large by distributing food,
clothing, and other resources. Superintendent Doris Dissassa has led our Christian Education Department’s Sunday School for 15 years. We would like to recognize her predecessor, Jean Winfield, for her past work and dedication alongside those who came before her. GMBC’s Motherboard comprised of sanctified women in Christ, most of whom have transitioned to Glory. We honor the legacy of Mothers Jessie Levingston, Delores Floyd, Annie Carmichael, Annie Lyman, Tinnie Brown, Alice Patrick, Verna Fanning, Doris Richardson, and Sharon Garlington – may they all rest in paradise. An honorable mention to Mother Olive Anderson, who chose to return to her home church. We cherish our current mothers, Sidney Winfield and Sis. Lonnie Littlejohn. The founding member of our usher board is still being determined; the earliest we have on record is Sis. Johnson, who was one of the first members. Past presidents include Doris Dissassa, Deanna Whitfield, Gwen Ford, and Kay Levingston, who served for sixteen years. Under her leadership, the board flourished with junior and senior ushers. The current president is Sis. Jeanette Harrison carries on the tradition of training and leading servants who watch at the church doors.
We would like to commemorate other ministries that are not currently active but were pivotal to our church’s history. Our dance ministries were turnkey in reshaping our worship experience - Amplified Through Praise, comprised of our youth dancers and choreographed by Sis. Di-Tu Dissassa, and Virtuous Praise, consist of adult dancers choreographed by Sis. Faye Drew. In 2010, Pastor Winfield introduced our Faith Bible College, which had over 25 graduates during its time. Over the last few years and during unprecedented times, the church made significant technological advances considering the pandemic and the congregations safety. Andre Furman graciously records our worship service as well as other church activities live on
Facebook. We thank God for his willingness to serve. The youth department was first established by Jean Winfield and is currently under the leadership of Sister Natasha Moore, they provide teaching and various activities to engage our youth in fellowship as well as put on plays throughout the year for Christmas Easter and other occasions. It our prayer that God will strengthen this ministry in our church.
Many churches since the pandemic have folded. Some said we couldn’t and wouldn’t
make it, but God. God has truly blessed our church family this year with the growth of willing servant. On their own Christian experience; Sis. Latresa Vanreed, Sis Angela Germany and Bro Terell Patrick Cannady. For baptism; Ardie Kelly, Carmon Dennis, Terryon Wilson Sr. Stephyne Wilson, Terryon Wilson Jr.,Jaylen Wilson, Sanaa Wilson, Nevaeh Patrick, Calvin VanReed Sr., Calvin VanReed Jr,. Tae’Lynn Wiley, Aiva Dudley, Ari Dudley, Illya (Nation) Haigler. Derek Pouncil, Geraldine Hutton and Joy Wilson are yet to be baptized. For rededication; Sandy Collins, Casey Winfield, Sean Davis, Shamar Davis, Dale and Carmen Fowler, KJ Farmer. Sis Coreen Carter is currently the Chairperson for our church anniversary and has
severed faithfully for the last three years After being trained by Sis Patrica Booker who God called home in 2022. Working with her is Sis Michelle Jackson, Sis Rhonda Elliot and Sis Danna Loveless. Such as life, many have come, and many have gone, but Genesis is still standing strong with Gods grace and favor. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord – Joshua 24:15.