On Monday, May 29, 1961, a meeting was held at the home of the late Professor Alex Bradford to discuss plans for a new church. The Pastor and members had vacated the premises at 224 West Kinney Street, Newark, New Jersey on May 28, 1961. This meeting was called to order by our Founder, Reverend Raphus Phillip Means.

On November 30, 1970, Reverend Matthew Agustus Zimmerman, Sr. was chosen to be the new Pastor of Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church.

The church continued to grow and prosper under the leadership of Rev. Zimmerman. Realizing that the church home at 261 Hunterdon Street would not be able to keep pace with our growth, Rev. Zimmerman organized the Building Fund and set about locating a new church home. Having always been a believer in the power of prayer, Rev. Zimmerman was led to our present church home. His prayers were answered when, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we were able to purchase this church home at 88 Lyons Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, valued then at more than one-quarter million dollars. The first worship service was held on May 24, 1976.

In February 1999, Reverend Matthew A. Zimmerman retired after an extended illness. A pulpit committee was formed and was headed by Deacon Anthony Tucker and Trustee Junius Williams. The committee consisted of church members at large and members of the joint board. From February 1999 through October 1999, the church received each Sunday candidates who provided sermon for candidacy. The latter part of October the committee was lead by prayer to recommend Reverend Allen S. Potts as the churches next pastor. On November 15, 1999, the membership of Greater Abyssinian elected to call Reverend Allen S. Potts as the churches third pastor. Through much prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit Rev. Potts accepted the call. On the following day God called Reverend Matthew A. Zimmerman, Sr. from labor to reward with the assurance of knowing that the Pastorate of Greater Abyssinian was under capable leadership.

Reverend Allen S. Potts came to Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Newark, NJ where he served as Assistant to the Pastor and Minister of Operations. He holds a Masters of Divinity Degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School. With God's help, in just a little over one year Rev. Potts has made substantial developments in the life of this church. Recognizing God calling us to become “A Church Determined to take Jesus Seriously.” He formulated and enhanced the following;