History

May 24, 1968: Rev. George Lester Byrd Organized Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church. Services were held in his home.

1968: Greater Emmanuel moved to its first location, Gennie Lynn Hall in downtown Oakland.

March 1969: Greater Emmanuel moved to 9507 MacArthur Blvd., one of our present locations.

1978: Rev. Byrd retired and moved to Port Rickey, Florida.

1979-1985: The Lord gave us Rev. Tanner to pastor. Under Pastor Tanner's leadership the building was remodeled, the current parking lot was purchased and the feeding ministry was formed and is currently still in progress.

Feb. 16, 1986 - 1993: The Lord gave us Rev. George Epps Sr. to pastor

1998: Pastor Epps formed the Greater Emmanuel Housing Development and purchased the Empire Motel for low-income residents but, due to lack of grant money the motel was lost. However, ministry to its residents and community continued.

Under Pastor Epps leadership we became active supporters and members of the East Bay Southern Baptist Association. The first church van was soon purchased, and part time employees were hired

1993: The Lord gave us Rev. Keith L. Clark to pastor. Under Pastor Clark's leadership the church has grown numerically and matured spiritually.

1996: The Lord led Pastor Clark to change the name of the church from Greater Emmanuel to Word Assembly.

Since then Word Assembly has expanded to five locations throughout three counties (Alameda, Contra Costa & San Joaquin County) and is still growing!