Picture this It’s March 28 1950. The air hangs heavy with expectation. Mount Hermon Baptist Church hasn’t even been officially formed yet. But inside a humble space at 81 West 132nd Street a momentous occasion unfolds. The very first service begins at 230 PM.
Mount Hermon Baptist Church a beacon of faith and community in the heart of New York City. It all began on that day. Reverend Joseph Henderson Jones Sr leads the congregation. Twenty-one dollars. That’s the total offering collected that day. A small amount but representing the immense faith of those early members.
The service included a hymn from the Gospel Go Preach My Gospel and a sermon about Implicit Faith. Among those present were Reverend LA Harty Mother Rebecca Jones Ruby Simmons Mary Smith Elenora Simmons James Tucker Jack Simmons Mitchell Rhett Mabel Winns and Lydia Russell. These individuals laid the foundation for a church that would grow and flourish.
Officially organized on June 16 1950 Mount Hermon wasn’t alone in its journey. Beulah Baptist Church under Reverend NB Gadson’s guidance helped in the process. The church started with four ushers five deacons and fifteen choir members. Edna Stone served as the first organist later replaced by Adia Edwards. Carolyn Bryan mother of Estelle Robinson became the first chorister.
Growth necessitated moves. The church relocated several times eventually finding its home at 1170 Nelson Avenue. A young man recently discharged from the US Army Benjamin Franklin Jones son of Reverend Jones joined Mount Hermon. He too answered a call to ministry becoming Reverend Benjamin Franklin Jones.
Rev Enoch H Clark brother of Missionary Dorothy Ross served as pastor’s assistant for 25 years. Professor William H Collins Jr. played a key role in the church’s musical growth developing seven choirs. In 1969 Reverend Joseph Henderson Jones Sr passed away His son Reverend Benjamin F Jones took over.
The church continued to prosper. Under Reverend Benjamin F Jones’s leadership membership swelled to over 400. This included 75 adult ushers numerous junior ushers seven choirs and an Outreach Culinary Ministry. Sadly Reverend Benjamin F Jones passed away in 1991.
Several pastors followed each contributing to Mount Hermon’s spiritual legacy. Reverend Ben Willie Watkins served for nine years Reverend Richard H Dixon took over and then Reverend Wenzell Phillip Jackson arrived. Reverend Jackson a man of immense passion had a profound impact on the community. He championed education and community development. A corner in the Bronx was renamed in his honor. Finally in 2015 Reverend Joseph J Jones became the current pastor.
Mount Hermon Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community impact. A place where the spirit of those first twenty-one dollars continues to live. A journey of faith that continues to inspire.