A PLACE TO WORSHIP,
GROW, AND Belong
We invite you to be our honored guest and worship with us at Greater First Baptist Church. Whether you are stepping through our doors for the first time, seeking a spiritual home, or yearning to deepen your walk with Jesus Christ, you will find a loving congregation eager to receive you with open arms.
Since our founding in 1909 as the First Baptist Church of Cedar Creek, God has sustained our fellowship as a radiant beacon of truth and benevolence. Under the pastoral guidance of Rev. Cary J. Melvin, now celebrating his 17th pastoral anniversary, every gathering is an invitation to encounter the Holy Spirit through spirited choral music, heartfelt corporate prayer, and uncompromised biblical preaching.
No matter where you find yourself on your spiritual journey, there is a place reserved for you here. We celebrate God's unfailing grace and invite you to become an active part of our living testimony.
Spirit-Filled Worship
Encountering God through uplifting praise, choir ministries, and Bible truth
Congregational Care
Dedicated Diaconate families walking alongside every member across all life seasons
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
REV. CARY J. Melvin
Rev. Cary J. Melvin is the beloved Senior Pastor of Greater First Baptist Church. He is the son of the late Cary Hair and Deaconess Berline Melvin, with heartfelt recognition extended to his maternal grandparents, the late Roy and Ella Melvin, who served as vital parental figures in his upbringing.
Spiritually groomed and nurtured at the historic First Baptist Church of Cedar Creek (now Greater First Baptist) under the pastoral mentorship of Rev. H. L. Moore, DMin, and Dr. Norwood P. Brodie Sr., Pastor Melvin answered God’s calling and was installed as Senior Pastor in 2009. This year marks 17 faithful years of visionary leadership and shepherd care.
Pastor Melvin has shared more than 39 joyful years of marriage with his devoted wife and First Lady, Clementine McNatt Melvin. In addition to his pulpit ministry, Pastor Melvin is a Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Professional, private pastoral counselor, and spiritual consultant dedicated to community benevolence.
The Greater First Family
Celebrating Pastor Cary & First Lady Clementine MelvinBlessed with four adult children — Jeremy Nathaniel, Tabitha Nicole, Caleb Jonathan, and Tamara — and three precious grandchildren: Cherish Aubriel, Kehlani Alaia, and Malachi.
17th Pastoral Anniversary Service: Sunday, August 2, 2026 @ 3:00 PM"Our prayer is that every person who enters our doors experiences the love, grace, and transforming power of Jesus Christ."
OUR SACRED Heritage
For 117 continuous years, Greater First Baptist Church has remained steadfast in preaching the Gospel, discipling believers, and uplifting families in North Carolina.
Cedar Creek Founding
Founded as First Baptist Church of Cedar Creek by devout Christian pioneers seeking a dedicated place of worship and scriptural teaching.
Generations of Faith
Spiritual flourishing and community benevolent care under the visionary leadership of Rev. H. L. Moore, DMin, and Dr. Norwood P. Brodie Sr.
Rev. Cary Melvin Called
Installation of Senior Pastor Cary J. Melvin, launching 17 years of facility upgrades, community outreach, and next-generation family ministry.
117th Homecoming
Celebrating 117 years of God's unchanging faithfulness under the Great Commission theme: “Spreading the Gospel to all Nations”.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP & Officers
Meet the servant leaders who faithfully guide, shepherd, and administer the ministries of Greater First Baptist Church.
Associate Ministers
Dedicated servant leaders assisting the Pastor in preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry.
Minister Peggy Bland
Associate MinisterMinister Phyllis Cogdell
Associate MinisterMinister Patricia James
Associate MinisterEvangelist Stella King
EvangelistMinister Annette Umerah
Associate MinisterMinister Joan Williams
Associate MinisterThe Diaconate Ministry
Assigned by member last names for pastoral care, hospital visits, and family prayer support.
Deacon Donald & Brenda Melvin
Diaconate Family Care LeadersProviding pastoral care, home communion, and prayer encouragement for church families with surnames beginning with A through I.
Deacon Winston & Tracy Scott
Diaconate Family Care LeadersProviding pastoral care, home communion, and prayer encouragement for church families with surnames beginning with J through O.
Providing pastoral care, home communion, and prayer encouragement for church families with surnames beginning with P through Z.
The Deaconess Board
Deacon Emeritus
The Board of Trustees
Stewards of church properties, financial integrity, physical grounds, and corporate administration.
Brother James Melvin
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sister Ursula Robinson-Russell
Trustee Board Secretary
Trustee Board Members & Emeriti
WEEKLY GATHERINGS & Service Times
We offer multiple opportunities throughout the week to connect with God and our church family. All are warmly welcomed!
Sunday Worship Service
Experience uplifting music, spirit-led praise, fervent prayer, and inspirational life-giving sermons.
Noon Day Prayer
Take a pause in the middle of your week to seek God's presence, pray for one another, and be refreshed.
Bible Study by Phone
Deep-dive into the Scriptures and fellowship from anywhere via our interactive prayer conference line.