By Donna Thornton/News Editor
This year, the Rev. G.E. Robinson is celebrating a truly noteworthy anniversary. This year marks his 50th year in the ministry, and his 40th year as pastor at Galilee Baptist Church in Gadsden.
On behalf of City of Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton, his Executive Assistant Shane Ellison presented a proclamation to Robinson at the May 14 city council meeting, commending him for his dedicated service to the church and the community.
In receiving the proclamation, Robinson said he wanted to thank Gadsden for what it has meant to him, and he encouraged the city’s leaders to seek God’s guidance.
“We face dangerous and uncertain times. Certainly those who lead in your capacity need to stay prayed up,” Robinson said.
Robinson will celebrate his 72nd birthday later this month. He grew up on a farm in rural Elmore County, according to the city’s proclamation. Robinson was the second of 10 children and he knew as a teenager that he had been called to preach.
He was only 22 when he was called to pastor his first church, the Early Rose Baptist Church in Alexander City. Later Robinson served as pastor at Mt. Andrew Baptist Church in Tuskegee and Bethel Baptist Church in Ashland.
In March 1973, he was called to Galilee Baptist Church in Gadsden where he has ministered to his congregation and served his community ever since.
Robinson continued to pursue education and obtained degrees including a Bachelor of Theology, Bible Certificate, Bible Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Divinity.
Robinson served as President of the Alabama Northeast District Convention, Vice Moderator of the Wills Creek District Association, Charter Trustee/Board member of Selma University and appointed member of the Re-Organization Committee of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
During Robinson’s tenure at Galilee Baptist, the church constructed a new sanctuary on the site of the former Robert Colley Elementary School.
While the church continued to grow and flourish, Robinson said he’s observed changes over his decades of service.
“Some of the most dedicated people in the community are members of Galilee Baptist,” Robinson said.
“I’ve seen the church go from being a large membership of young, middle-aged and older people to becoming largely middle-aged and older members,” Robinson said.
“At this point, due to the many changes in society, the church has to offer different ministries,” he said, to appeal to younger to middle-aged people.
The church, he said, is forced to compete with the world for attention.
“But when all that competition is over,” Robinson said, “People still need Christ.”