“In April 1880 a small group of Christian pioneers met near Black Jack.” That’s how the story of Greater New Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church begins. They sought to organize a Baptist Church. Initially, a simple log cabin served as their meeting place.
The church relocated to Lebanon. Services were held house-to-house until 1907. A small frame building was erected at 423 West Dee Street. At that time, the church was named Second Baptist. It became a member of the Wood River District.
In 1910, the church’s name changed to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Then, in 1919, it helped establish the New Salem District. This was part of the Illinois Baptist General State Convention. It affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Over the years, a series of pastors guided Mt. Olive’s growth. This included renovations and additions to the church building. They also purchased property to the east of the church. The church was extensively renovated during the early 1960s.
In 1978, under the leadership of Rev. Willie C. Brown, the church mortgage was paid off. Sadly, he passed away that same year. His desire for a new church building remained unfulfilled.
1979 marked a new chapter. Rev. W.J. Griffin was installed as the 16th pastor of Mt. Olive. He presented a plan for a new church to the congregation. In 1980, at its centennial anniversary, ground was broken. The church was renamed The Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Construction of the new edifice began in 1984. Members of Mt. Olive, family, and friends joined together in a labor of love. Bro. Landall Mack coordinated this effort. The Sanctuary was completed in 1985. The first worship service was held on the first Sunday in December.
April 1998 brought another milestone. The mortgage loan initiated in 1985 was retired seven years early. To accommodate growth, the church acquired property to the west in 2004. A parking lot expansion project was completed in 2006.
Pastor Griffin reorganized the Youth Department. This nurtured the advent and growth of Praise Dancers, Mimes, Drill team, and Little Stompers. These new youth programs complemented the youth choir, ushers, and deacons. Renewed emphasis was placed on Youth Leadership each third Sunday.
Pastor Griffin shepherded more than 51 young men and women. They followed the path Jesus established. Several have gone on to become pastors themselves.
To further the church’s mission in the community, a committee was formed in 2008. They planned for the construction of a Fellowship Hall. Later that year, the sanctuary was updated. Property adjacent and east of the church was purchased. This accommodated the construction of a Fellowship Hall.
A capital campaign was launched in March 2009. A ceremonial groundbreaking was celebrated during the 130th Church Anniversary in 2010. Construction of the Fellowship Hall began in September 2011. The mortgage was burned just seven years after completion.
Greater New Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament. It showcases the power of faith, community, and perseverance. It’s a place where history is honored. It is a place where the future is embraced. A true beacon of hope in the heart of the community.