Before you stands Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church a beacon of faith. This church has a rich history and a vibrant present. It looks to a promising future.
Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church has roots far from here. It started in Linden New Jersey in 1933. Rev A R Ross and a small group of faithful people founded it. They met on South Wood Avenue.
Standard Oil Company donated land in 1935. A building was erected on East 14th Street. Rev Ross led the church for 16 years. He retired in 1948 because of his health.
Rev Normal Glover became pastor in 1949. He served for two years. Rev C H Morrell followed. He served as pastor for nine years from 1952 to 1961.
Rev Matthew Frazier became the fourth pastor in 1961. He came from New Zion Baptist Church of Elizabeth NJ. He served until 1980. He was a strong leader and visionary. A fire partially destroyed the church in 1971. Rev Frazier and dedicated members restored it.
In 1973 the church officially became Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Church clubs became church auxiliaries. They are now known as church ministries. These include Deacons Deaconess and Trustees. Also Missionary Floral and Pastor’s Aide. Ushers Adult Choir and Youth Choir are part of it too. Golden Age Culinary Scholarship and Youth Outreach complete the ministries.
Rev Frazier prepared to step down due to poor health. He mentored a young deacon Ronald A Green Sr. Deacon Green was licensed as a minister. Later he was ordained.
Rev Ronald A Green Sr served as pastor from December 1980 to January 2015. He held positions in the Middlesex County Central Baptist Association and the Lott Carey Organization. During his leadership deacons were ordained. Trustees were confirmed and ministers were licensed. The church purchased vans. It funded scholarships and donated to widows. There was a housing program a childcare center and community group meetings.
Today Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church continues to serve. Rev Barry E Wise II became pastor on May 17 2015. He grew up in the church and served in many ministries. Rev Green mentored him through licensing and ordination.
Rev Wise is a Spirit-filled visionary. He aims to develop disciples through ministries and programs. These nurture relationships and emphasize worship. Christian education community outreach and church fellowship are key.
Rev Wise studied at Penn State University. He earned an MBA from Columbia University. He received a Master of Divinity Degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He received an award for excellence in Church History and Foundational Theology. He is involved in social justice and community organizations.
Another impactful figure is Rev Jonathan Calvin Smith. He preached his first sermon at Mount Moriah on August 22 1999. He accepted the call under his grandfather and father Dr Robert D Reed. He has leadership experience in children and youth ministries. He taught Adult Sunday School and Wednesday Night Bible Study.
Rev Smith holds degrees from Stephen F Austin State University. Also University of Texas at Arlington and Lamar University. He studied at Dallas Theological Seminary and other institutions. He was ordained in 2006. He is the Pastor of Administrative Operations. He oversees administration construction and media ministries. He works alongside his father Dr Johnny Calvin Smith.
Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and commitment to community. Its history is a story of dedicated leaders and faithful members. Their work continues to shape lives and inspire hope.