Mount Ararat Baptist Church

From a modest beginning in a family home, Mount Ararat Baptist Church has blossomed into a cornerstone of its community. In November 1961, Sister Annie Caldwell opened her home to a fledgling congregation. This marked the birth of Mount Ararat Baptist Church. The church’s first pastor, Dr. James Thompson Reeder, guided the growing flock for over two decades. His leadership saw the church flourish, eventually leading to the purchase of their current location on Howard Avenue in August 1965. After Dr. Reeder’s retirement, Reverend Albert P. Curly led the congregation for a year. Then, in 1994, Dr. Elliot Cuff became the third Senior Pastor of Mount Ararat Baptist Church. Dr. Cuff, along with his wife Minister Virginia Evelyn Cuff, spearheaded numerous community programs. These included the establishment of the Family Life Center, which provided crucial educational resources to inner-city children. He also oversaw a major renovation of the sanctuary in 1996, enhancing the building for worship and community gatherings. A decade later, Dr. Cuff passed the torch to Reverend Steven Eugene Carter, a pastor raised, licensed, and ordained within the Mount Ararat community. Pastor Carter, the fourth Senior Pastor, assumed leadership in July 2004. He adopted the motto “Loving God, Loving People & Impacting the Community.” This philosophy resonated deeply, resulting in a surge of new members, exceeding 1,500. Pastor Carter further expanded the church’s reach by establishing new ministries, including a youth choir and young adult programs. He also strengthened ties with local officials and organizations like Brooklyn Congregations Together. He initiated “Renovation 24,” a two-year campaign to further modernize the church facilities, including improved accessibility and educational spaces. Today, Mount Ararat Baptist Church continues to serve as a vibrant hub of faith and community engagement. It remains a testament to the dedication of its pastors and the unwavering faith of its members.