Church History

After two years of aggressive ministry, the relationship with Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church was severed.

Many of us were not sure as to where we would worship on Sunday after the separation, but God already had a plan for us.  Rev. Delano Paige of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church invited Rev. Henry J. Miles to preach that Sunday morning.  Several former members of Sixth Mt. Zion attended that service.  The following Sunday, Rev. Dr. William C. Callaway of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Clairton, PA invited Rev. Miles to preach there, and once more several members traveled with him to Clairton to worship.  For several Sundays thereafter, Rev. Miles was invited to preach at different churches in the area.

We then met at the Carnegie Library in Homewood.  At that time, Rev. Miles talked about finding a place that we would be able to worship and start a church.  Out of the experience of loss from the severance from Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church came the opportunity to begin anew.  Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Miles, and a group of 80 determined supporters, embraced God’s vision for a new church in the Pittsburgh community.  After seeking the will of God for his life and the life of this new church, God led Rev. Miles to name the church Deliverance.  Surely, the name speaks of God’s faithfulness to deliver his people from a long night of tears and grief.  Deliverance Baptist Church is God’s joy that came in the morning.

Our first service as a church was held at the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ on Laketon Road in Wilkinsburg, PA, the former home of Rev. Loran Mann and his congregation, on Sunday, March 11, 1990.  We worshipped at this location until the Lord blessed us with our current church in March 1991.  We purchased the property from South Avenue Methodist Church. Restoration and remodeling work began and was completed by the members.  Church services were held in the basement during that time.  Our first service in the Upper Sanctuary was in September of 1993.  It was a glorious day.  To date, our founding pastor has baptized over 130 disciples and over 600 persons have made commitments to church membership.  Disciples are growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Our first secretary was Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Fisher, who worked tirelessly with no formal office or equipment.

On May 17, 1996, Rev. Henry J. Miles was called home to be with his Lord and Savior.  We lost an excellent pastor, teacher, evangelist, and friend.  Even though we lost God’s servant for the time ordained for him and Deliverance, our God had a ram in the bush that he was grooming for such a time as this.  There was much discussion, and at times confusion, as to who would be the next servant of God for Deliverance.  Our Father and our God had already chosen him in the person of Minister Michael W. Golphin Sr.

Minister Michael W. Golphin Sr. was ordained as our new pastor on October 12, 1996.  Minister Golphin was officially installed as the new pastor on December 29, 1996.  Under his leadership, Rev. Golphin started a For-Profit company, Deliverance Development, and a Non-Profit company, Deliverance INC.  Many ministers and members were birthed at Deliverance Baptist Church.  Several members have gone home to be with our Lord and Savior and others have left Deliverance and prayerfully they have continued in the word so that they can continue to grow in Christ.

In 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Golphin, our first deacons were installed (male and female).  Our current ministers are Rev. Dr. Quiana Golphin, Rev. Jeff Lowery, Rev. Leslie Regan, and Rev. Jerald Rose Jr.  Rev. Golphin was ordained as Bishop Golphin on July 13, 2008.

In 2009 Biblical, Hebrew, Minister, and English classes were taught by Rev. Maryln Black.  We have approximately 375 active members between the two services.  A documentary entitled “What Guns Do”, was produced here.  Our previous ministers have become reverends.  We have ordained more deacons.  A pastor’s aide ministry was birthed.  The church was used as part of a movie.  We had a consecration service.  Our wisdom ministry birthday celebrations for the 60 plus members are always a wonderful occasion.  The easter plays have always been a blessing.  The sound system and website have recently been updated.  The new breakfast ministry that is open to all has been a blessing.  It allows everyone who wants to, to get something to eat between services without having to leave the church to get something.  They only ask that you contribute a breakfast item to be served.  This is all voluntary so that no funds are pulled from the church.

God has allowed us to do so many ministries for the uplifting of his kingdom.  We thank God for all the ministries at Deliverance especially the cleaning ministry, who faithfully come out on Saturdays to make sure that the church is clean.