First Mount Nebo Baptist Church

Did you ever hear about the “Solid Rock” faith? Five individuals, fueled by this unshakeable belief, came together in Houston back in 1923. They were Reverend J. D. Davis, Brothers W. M. Crawford and Sam Nichols, and Sister Lula Cooper and Brother Louis Cooper. Together, they dared to dream of a new spiritual home, a beacon of hope for the community. That dream was First Mount Nebo Baptist Church. The church’s first service was held on April 12, 1924 under the leadership of Reverend J. D. Davis. The congregation, though small, blossomed under the guidance of Reverend J. H. Jackson from 1926-1930, and later Reverend Early King from 1930 to 1950. This period was a testament to their unwavering faith, as they even managed to erect a new building in 1931 at 1238 Tupelo Street. The year 1972 marked another significant milestone for First Mount Nebo Baptist Church with the completion of a new structure at 1245 Tunica Street. This victory, however, was bittersweet, as their leader, Reverend Fred B. Black, couldn’t attend the dedication ceremony due to illness and passed away shortly after. Their spirit undeterred, the congregation welcomed Reverend Jessie Redmond as their fifth pastor. His tenure, spanning over two decades, saw the church enhance its facilities and embrace a deeper understanding of the scripture. In July 2000, Dr. Redmond retired, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual growth and community service. First Mount Nebo Baptist Church wasn’t just a place of worship, it also played a vital role during the Civil Rights Movement. It became a haven for education and activism, hosting one of Mississippi’s Freedom Schools in 1964. This commitment to social justice continued with the church hosting the NAACP’s Jackson chapter meetings. First Mount Nebo Baptist Church has always striven to embody its motto, “A Friendly Church Serving a Faithful Christ.”