What began as a small mission circle evolved into the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. Imagine back in 1926 a group of young people with a clear goal. They wanted to raise money to help the poor.
They called themselves the Gospel Relief Workers. Their efforts laid the groundwork for something much larger. Three years later in April 1929 Reverend J. P. Ezell joined the group. He envisioned a larger church. He began recruiting children going from house to house. Reverend Ezell believed attracting children would bring in adults. His plan worked. Several adults and their families joined.
Spiritual gifts of others aided Reverend Ezell’s work. John Carter Donnie Fields Willie G. Swaney George Skinner and Rufus Turner stepped up. They began the foundation for the first Deacon Board. This group organized the church.
In 1930 the church was officially established. It was named the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. The first building was at 1829 West Taylor Street in Chicago. Deacons Fields and Carter remained faithful members. They served until their deaths in 1963 and 1968. The lower auditorium of today’s church honors Deacon Carter.
The church grew leading to moves. First, they moved to 1857 West Roosevelt. Later they relocated to 2049 West Roosevelt Road. In 1941 Reverend Joshua Napoleon Wordlaw became pastor.
Under Reverend Wordlaw the church flourished. In 1957 they acquired property at the corner of St. Louis Street and Douglas Boulevard. The address was 3453 West Douglas Boulevard. This is its current location.
However in 1983 the members had to leave the building. This was due to building code violations. God provided. The Lawndale Interracial Baptist Church offered their basement for services. In January 1984 Mount Hebron members proudly marched into a new building. It was located at 3447 West Douglas Boulevard.
Reverend Wordlaw served until his death in 1991. After his death the church experienced splits in membership. Reverend Norman Donahue Sr. Reverend Roderick Baker and Reverend Garrett R. Pearson pastored the church. This was in successive order.
On July 31 2000 the church unanimously chose Lloyd L. Keith as pastor. Pastor Keith continues to serve faithfully. The Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church focuses on outreach and education. The church aims to fulfill the commission of Matthew 28:19-20. It strives to be an effective teaching ministry. The goal is for the congregation to know God through Jesus Christ. People are enabled by the Holy Spirit to respond in faith.
The church nurtures Christian growth. It trains teachers and leaders. Programs are designed for all ages. Mount Hebron involves itself in the community. It supports the church’s mission worldwide. The church’s history reflects faith perseverance and service.