Curtis Raines Sr. Foundation (CRSF)
Rev. Raines was born in Roberta, GA in 1947. He grew up in the country, learning the immense value of hard work and community. He studied at public schools in Upson County before attending the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Tennessee, the Georgia Baptist Theological Seminary, and Mercer University in Macon. He was licensed in the ministry in 1980 and ordained as a minister in 1981. He earned a Bachelor of Theology degree and a Master of Pastoral Ministry degree from Emmanuel Bible College in 1995 and 1997, respectively.
Rev. Raines’ initial career was in the armed forces. He gained military experience in Active Duty with the United States Army, as well as the Army National Guard. In the years following, Rev. Raines worked at Warner Robins Air Force Base as Production General Manager of Sheet Metal Manufacturing. Rev. Raines represented one of the first African American leaders at Warner Robins, serving unfailingly for more than 27 years. While at Robins AFB, Rev. Raines met Barbara Tharpe, a schoolteacher and counselor, whom he would marry in 1971.
Following his early retirement from Warner Robins in 1993, Rev. Raines became Pastor of New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, GA and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bolingbroke, GA. Rev. Raines envisioned churches that had a sacred duty to provide spiritual enrichment and education for all ages. He held these posts for 32 years, leading the churches through enormous growth as they expanded from 33 members to over 1,100.
Rev. Raines served as Vice President and, later, President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. (GMBC). Founded in 1870, the GMBC is the largest organization of African Americans in the state of Georgia. In this position, Rev. Raines provided powerful leadership and devoted oversight to over 800 churches, representing over 550,000 African-American Baptists in Georgia.
Throughout his life, Rev. Raines remained dedicated to his family: his beloved wife Barbara, and his four children. Barbara’s support, encouragement, and grace helped Rev. Raines become a respected leader in his community. Barbara stood by Rev. Raines’ side for their marriage of nearly 44 years. As first lady of his churches, she has been a model of virtue, exemplifying Christian love and inspiring many.
A steadfast and faithful spiritual giant, Rev. Raines was known and loved throughout the state of Georgia. Rev. Raines returned that love, caring for people of all races, denominations, colors, and creeds. His work touched lives within his hometowns and throughout the world. What began as one man’s vision for a revitalized community has now grown into a foundation committed to continuing that legacy, dedicated to improving the lives and health of families in Georgia and abroad.