Our Church

Gethsemane Institutional Church of God In Christ

"For we walk by faith and not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7
Click Here to Contact Us

1202 Tucker Avenue Pascagoula, MS 39567
Church History

St. Mary Church of God In Christ was organized during the early 1940’s. Its humble beginning was a small wooden church under the leadership of Elder Gaines. After Elder Gaines left the city, Superintendent Anderson became overseer for a time in the absence of a pastor.

Elder Shelby McSwain was appointed as the second pastor for the church. Elder Hollis Musgrove was the third pastor. Elder Fred Rodgers became the fourth pastor for the church. Elder James Powell was the fifth pastor. Elder George Johnson was the sixth pastor. Elder Odie B. Paige was the seventh pastor. Superintendent Odie B. Paige had a dream to beautify and enlarge the church. God called him home before he was able to see his dream become a reality. He left that dream in the heart of his members and with his son, Elder Kippy Paige who is the present pastor. Elder Kippy Paige Sr. is our eighth pastor and current pastor.

The church name changed from St. Mary Church of God In Christ to Gethsemane Institutional Church of God In Christ under Supt. Kippy Paige Sr., tenure. In 2000, Supt. Paige instituted the Marriage and Single Ministry and it is still going strong today. Under his leadership, GICOGIC instituted and established The Outreach and Enrichment Center 501C3 for the development of the church and community. In addition, Supt. Paige has a great love for his youth. Under his administration a Youth Explosion Committee was organized to help develop, motivate, inspire, and reach out to all youth, so they will be actively involved in the home, church, and community. Under his tenure as Supt., the historical 12:00 noon day prayer every Wednesday and the transportation ministry were established. Also through the radio ministry, Supt. Paige has been blessed to reach out beyond the four walls of the church to win souls for Christ on 92.5 FM once a week.

Supt. Paige has a vision for a new edifice and Family Life Center. Our church motto, “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 is an integral part of our church family. Many souls have come to Christ through this ministry and the church continues to uphold the values and traditions of the founders and people’s lives are still being transformed daily.