“Come out on Mount Sinai.” In 1924, Ida B. Robinson heard these words. She believed God was calling her to “loose the women.” This divine call led to the founding of the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America.
The Mount Sinai Holy Church of America is a Christian church. It stands in the Pentecostal tradition. The church’s governance is episcopal. From its start, it championed female leadership.
Ida B. Robinson was a remarkable woman. She founded the church in Philadelphia in 1924. It was the only organization led by an African-American woman. She maintained consistent female leadership. This lasted from its founding until February 2001.
Robinson’s journey began in Pensacola. After converting as a teen, she led prayer services. In 1910, she married Oliver Robinson. They moved to Philadelphia for work in 1917.
In Philadelphia, Robinson preached on the streets. She was under the United Holy Church of America. By 1919, she pastored Mount Olive Holy Temple. It was a small mission affiliated with the United Holy Church.
1924 marked a turning point. Fasting and praying, Robinson had a revelation. She stated that the Holy Ghost told her to “Come out on Mount Sinai.” She believed God wanted to use her to “loose the women.”
On May 20, 1924, Pennsylvania granted her a charter. The church was named Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Incorporated. Women held key positions from the start. They comprised six of nine board members. They also held the top four officer roles.
Ida Robinson started evangelistic work and church planting. To unify the organization, she created an Annual Convocation. The first meeting was in Philadelphia in September 1925. She was consecrated as Bishop during this meeting.
When she died, the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America had grown significantly. It included 84 churches. It also included over 160 ordained ministers. 125 of them were women. The church also ran an accredited school. It supported mission work in Cuba and Guyana. Additionally, the church maintained a farm in South Jersey. It offered a safe haven for church members.
The church emphasizes key doctrines. These include the authority of Scripture and the Trinity. They also include conversion and salvation in Jesus. Sanctification and baptism by the Holy Spirit are important. The church believes in divine healing but not against medical advice. Holiness is strongly emphasized.
The Mount Sinai Holy Church of America practices several ordinances. These are acts of obedience to faith. They include water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Foot washing is also observed. Gender equality is a core belief. Men and women are equal in ordination and rights.
Bishop Ida Robinson led until 1946. She died in Winter Haven, Florida. At that time, the church had 84 congregations. Bishop Elmira Jeffries then led from 1946 to 1964. She purchased a hospital that became the Elmira Jeffries Memorial Home. Bishop Mary E. Jackson followed from 1964 to 1983. She created the National Youth Department. Bishop Amy B. Stevens led from 1983 to 2000. She established the Mount Sinai Training Institute. Bishop Ruth Satchell briefly led in 2000-2001. Bishop Joseph H. Bell, Sr. became the first male president in 2001.
Today, the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America continues its mission. It has approximately 130 congregations. These are spread across 14 states and 4 countries. Its headquarters remain in Philadelphia. It continues to uphold its founding principles. The church remains a testament to Ida B. Robinson’s vision and faith.