Bishop William Rimson, D.D.
William Rimson was born to Rumer and Lena Rimson, July 24, 1906 in Lexington, Mississippi. He was a very energetic young man who always felt that the Lord had something special for him to do which was to preach the serious business of saving souls. Saved under the leadership of Elder Fred Winans, he received his call to the ministry at the tender age of 15 in Detroit, Michigan.
Young William Rimson conducted revivals in Maywood, Illinois and Southbend, Indiana. Many souls were saved and churches were established from these efforts. He was ordained by Bishop William Roberts in Chicago, Illinois; and as Elder William Rimson, he pastored churches in Maywood and Southbend for a short time. He loved tent revivals, and upon returning to Michigan, he conducted many soul saving and soul strengthening revivals in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Albion.
In 1937, Elder Rimson founded a church in his home in Detroit, Michigan, and from these services sprang the seeds from which became Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. The original church was located at 908 Brady. The stage was set, the spiritual foundation had been laid, and the Lord was adding to the congregation in such numbers that a larger church home was needed.
In 1946, the old Medbury Theater at 5848 Hasting Street was purchased and remodeled. This became the beautiful new home for the ever growing congregation. Each Saturday night and Sunday morning, the pews were filled to capacity as people came to hear the radio preacher sing, “Jesus Said It,” as he proclaimed the word of God on radio station WJBK. Elder Rimson constantly reminded the world that, “It’s holiness or hell.” Thousands were saved and healed.
In 1953, the church moved to 3500 Elmwood due to the construction of an expressway. The church moved many more times thereafter; 7635 Grand River, 4101 Riopelle, 3940 Mt. Elliott, 8225 Grand River, 9780 Quincy. The church could not remain on Quincy because it was a residential area with very limited parking. The congregation decided to do something about it.
While Bishop Rimson was on vacation, the members looked at other church buildings that were for sale. The perfect place was found, and the members was so elated that each gave the necessary funds to purchase the property at 17617 Plymouth Road. Of course, this was a surprise to Bishop Rimson. He was well pleased with the efforts of the church to provide a permanent home where he may diligently work in the vineyard of the Lord.
In 1972, after moving into the new church, the name of the church was changed to Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. The church had moved so many times in the past, it had become known as the “nomadic” church. That title would no longer serve as a true and proper description. Bishop William Rimsoon led this church through a wilderness journey to peace in a promised land. He labored here at Greater Love Tabernacle until the Lord called him home in 1988.
