Roy L. Dennis, Jr. was born and raised in Rogersville, Tennessee. He is the son of the late Roy L. Dennis, Sr., and the late Mary C. Dennis. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was commissioned into the U. S. Army as an officer. While serving in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, he received the Bronze Star. He was ordained a Deacon in 1996 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington, New Jersey and in 2001 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. After being called by God, Reverend Dennis was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2001. He was ordained by the Rowan Baptist Association in July of 2003. He received his Master of Divinity degree in May of 2005 from the Shaw Divinity School in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Roy L. Dennis, Jr. received his Doctoral Degree from Drew University on May 12, 2012. He was inducted in 2025 into The Bishop Alfred G. Dunston, Jr., College of Preachers, Lectures and Scholars at Hood Theological Seminary. He received The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism by President Joe Biden and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dennis partnered with Hood Theological Seminary in the Gift Collaborative Health Institute and mentoring Seminarians. Dr. Dennis has participated in mission and outreach initiatives throughout the United States and Global. This is inclusive of the Salisbury Community, Puerto Rico, Flint, MI water crisis, Belize and Tanzania. He had the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Belize.
Pastor Dennis is the Moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association which is the largest Association in the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. He is on the executive committee and general board member of General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, the Lott Carey Foreign Missionary Convention and National Baptist Convention USA. Dr. Dennis is the Chairperson of the Salisbury Chief of Police Advisor Board. He is the former Pastor of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church of Pelham, NC, and First Vice Moderator of the Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Association. He is a guest columnist to the Baptist Informer, the publication of the General Baptist State Convention of NC. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Pastor Dennis is blessed, to have a loving and supportive family who are committed to the work of the Lord. He states that his gift from God is his wife, Delphine Taylor Dennis. They are the proud parents of two children, Bria Delphine and Dr. Roy L. Dennis, III (Tre'). Pastor Dennis believes in taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and continues to win souls for the Lord.
Delphine Taylor Dennis was born and raised in Nathalie, Virginia. The daughter of Mildred Mabins Taylor and the late Anthony Taylor is the youngest of five girls. She is a graduate of Halifax County High School. Lady Dennis is a dedicated and committed servant of the Lord, whose life exemplifies leadership, service, and faith. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from Norfolk State University where she was commissioned into the U. S. Army as an officer. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University which further her expertise in leadership and organizational management.
In addition to her academic and military accomplishments, Lady Dennis has been a devoted member of the church community. She was consecrated as a Deaconess at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington, New Jersey and again after relocating to North Carolina at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem where she was a Sunday School teacher and a choir member. The former First Lady of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church 2005-2019 where she served faithfully continuing her role as a Sunday School teacher. Currently, she serves as the First Lady of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church of Salisbury, North Carolina.
Lady Dennis, Director of Human Resources at Hanes brands and a former board member at the Hanesbrands Credit Union. She currently holds positions on the Board of Directors at Members Credit Union and the Trinty Center, Inc. in Winston-Salem NC.
Her dedication to service extends beyond her professional life. She has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House (family room) located at Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, as well as Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank and The Children's Home, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others in need.
Lady Dennis is also an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she held the office of Assistant Financial Secretary and served as the former Risk Management chairperson. She currently serves as the Founders Day chairperson for the sorority.
Lady Dennis is blessed with a loving and supportive family who are committed to the work of the Lord. She is married to Pastor Roy Dennis, Jr., and together, they are the proud parents of two children, Bria Delphine and Roy L. Dennis, III (Tre').
Lady Dennis life is a testament to her faith, service, and commitment to making a positive impact on others. She continues to live out her calling by sharing the Gospel of God’s Word through every aspect of her life.
The origin of Gethsemane Baptist Church began with a prayer band, praising God in a house on the corner of South Caldwell and Taylor Streets. In 1910, this same group of Christians purchased and moved a church from Chestnut Hill to its present site, and named it Graham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.
The Church was an outgrowth of First Calvary Baptist Church, Salisbury, North Carolina. Rev. J. W. Pennington was the first pastor of the church which was organized on November 28, 1926 with 35 members. Brother Howard Wood came forth with the name Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. The first deacons J. H. Hargrave, George Moore, James Jenkins, Brother Johnson, Richard Giles, S.D. Montgomery, Howard Woods, C.S. Butner, John Alexander and J.B. Richardson. During this organization the following officers were selected trustees, church clerk, chairman of usher board, Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer of missions and choir.
The church prospered between 1916 and 1934, while the membership worked diligently in organizing the effective Christian training, worship and witness. The church joined the Rowan Baptist Association October 4, 1929 and installed a Baptismal Pool May 6, 1930.
The following ministers served as Pastors of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church:
During Reverend Bryant's pastorate, the church was renovated.
Under the leadership of Reverend W.T. Jackson, the church was completely renovated during 1964-1973. The church was brick veneered, an educational unit was added, and all new furniture was installed.
In 1974, the church was served by Reverend Michael McClain. With the coming of Reverend E. N. Young in 1975, there was a continuous growth in membership and the church's outreach in ministry attracted attention locally, state-wide and nationally. An organ and a public address system were added to make the services more effective.
Dr. A. O. Walker was officially called to Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church on March 19, 1978. Dr. Walker served as the motivator in helping the church to secure property for a new church, paved the church parking lot, and installed a new heating and air system. Reverend James L. Stowe, one of the sons of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, and was pastor 1984-2004. With the overwhelming growth in membership, Reverend Stowe led the church in a massive fund-raising which resulted in a new sanctuary in fewer than 2 years.
The new church was paid for in four years and eight months culminating in an Awards and Mortgage Burning Service July 26, 1992. Secondly, the construction of the new Education and Fellowship Building began April, 1992 and was completed December, 1992. The membership dedicated the edifice to God's service and named the building the James L. Stowe Educational Building.
In January 2005, Dr. Clary Phelps became the pastor of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. He was installed as pastor in March 2005. Our church has really flourished under the leadership of Pastor Phelps.
Under Pastor Phelps leadership Gethsemane purchased a long awaited parcel of land adjacent to Gethsemane, Organized Westside Community Foundation, a non-profit organization under the auspices of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and remodeled the former church parsonage into the Gethsemane Outreach House which serves the community at large. Several new ministries have been organized: The Visitation Ministry, The Public Relations Ministry and the College Ministry, to name a few.
While we are experiencing growing pains, with the help of God and with his continued leadership, we will continue to grow as God continues to bless.
Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church
719 South Caldwell Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
Telephone: 704-633-5057
Fax: 704-639-1975
Email: gethsemane@charlotte.twcbc.com
GETHSEMANE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH