Historic
Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, was the first African-American
church in the United States to ordain female deacons. Gillfield sponsors a transportation
project for the physically disabled, transporting more than 150 persons per
week. For 30 years, Gillfield has operated the Child Care Center, the first
church child care center in Petersburg. These achievements occurred under the
leadership of the Rev. Grady W. Powell, Sr., a pioneer in ecclesiastical life
and community development.
In 1961, at the age of 28,
the Rev. Powell became pastor of Gillfield Baptist Church. Thirty-six years
later, he retired after a long and distinguished career in the pastorate. The
members of Gillfield and the citizens of Petersburg were the fortunate beneficiaries
of his care and concern.
"...within all of
us is a special gift from God..."
After graduating with honors from
St. Paul’s College in 1954, the Rev. Powell taught in Emporia, Virginia, for
two years. He then entered Virginia Union University’s School of Theology and
graduated first in his class, receiving the master of divinity degree in 1959.
Before making Gillfield Baptist
Church his home, the Rev. Powell served as the pastor of Quioccasin Baptist
Church in Richmond. At Gillfield, he led the congregation to become a mission
church. The initial mission budget was $300 per year. Today, Gillfield contributes
11 percent of its budget to community service. Also, the church purchased 26
houses and constructed a multifaceted Christian education building to offer
ministries to children, youth, and adults. The Rev. Powell has worked diligently
toward racial reconciliation and breaking down barriers which divide people
and destroy Christian unity. Local citizens have benefitted tremendously from
these outreach efforts.
Although retired from the church,
the Rev. Powell remains in the ministry. He is Diversity Foods Processing’s
(Petersburg) industrial chaplain. He continues to hold steadfast to those things
he holds near and dear: God, family, and community.
We can all learn from the words
of wisdom that the Rev. Powell espouses: “Every generation has its challenges,
and to each successive one, the problems seem the greatest. Our present time
is no exception. However, within all of us is a special gift from God, which
faith and work have to perfect. Whatever the gift, it is our responsibility
to share it graciously with all humankind.”
