Tucked away in the heart of New Orleans, Mount Everest Baptist Church has witnessed the city’s vibrant history unfold. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. Mount Everest Baptist Church isn’t just a building. It’s a beacon of hope, a place where lives are transformed, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The church’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of New Orleans itself.
Mount Hermon Baptist Church, as it was originally known, was founded on June 21, 1896. A small group of believers, seeking a new spiritual home, left First Shiloh Baptist Church and established their own congregation. Their first official charter was granted on July 27, 1908. The founding members included Rev. Arthur Paul Orlage and several dedicated individuals like Abraham Brown, Allen J. Carter, and Ellen Cook. Their initial worship space was a rented building at the corner of Gravier and South Tonti Streets. They eventually purchased land at 2333 Perdido Street and built a wooden church. Tragedy struck in 1917 when a fire destroyed the structure.
Undeterred, the congregation, led by Deacon Abraham Brown, rebuilt. They erected a stone church on the same site, remarkably, without incurring any debt. In 1920, William Tyler became their second pastor. He oversaw a period of growth and expansion, including the construction of a church center. Rev. Tyler served until 1948. Thomas Franklin Reed became the third pastor in 1949. He continued the church’s mission, adding souls to the kingdom and establishing a scholarship program for the church’s youth. Rev. Reed’s tenure lasted until 1967. Ellis Dupleche, Sr. took the helm in 1968. Recognizing the shifting demographics of the neighborhood, he led the congregation to a new location in 1975: 2153 North Broad Street. This is where Mount Hermon Baptist Church stands today. The current sanctuary was built on this site. A significant milestone was reached on May 24, 1984, when the church celebrated paying off the mortgage. Rev. Dupleche served for 23 years, until his health prompted the election of a successor.
In 2000, John Jackson became the fifth pastor. He inherited a church entering a new millennium, a time of technological advancement and rapid change. Just three weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Pastor Jackson and Deacon Alcee Jones returned to assess the damage. The church had been flooded with six feet of water. Despite the devastation, Pastor Jackson rallied the congregation. Through their collective efforts, the church reopened its doors for worship on August 13, 2006. Under Pastor Jackson’s leadership, Mount Hermon Baptist Church, now known as Mount Everest Baptist Church continues to thrive. New ministries have been added, a balcony has been installed to accommodate the growing congregation, and a new parking lot has been constructed. The church’s legacy of faith, resilience, and community service continues.