Standing before Mount Marriah Church, do you feel the echoes of a community’s unwavering spirit? Mount Marriah Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope here in Savannah. It stands as a testament to the African-American spirit since 1890.
Reverend Sampson Eason gathered a group in March 1890. Their purpose was simple to have religious services in the Baptist tradition. Deacons J.D. McMoore, Claudius Ealy and Will Pee were there. Brothers Emanuel Smart and Frank Byrd also joined. Sisters Sallie McMoore, Annie Able and Mary Able Treadway were present. They laid the foundation for this church. They decided the second Sunday would be their Worship Sunday.
Sadly, Reverend Sampson soon fell ill. He asked Reverend N.A. Hart to take his place in April. Before May, Reverend Sampson passed away. Reverend Hart continued his work until June 1891. Then Mount Moriah called Reverend W.H. Styles. Brothers J.B. Barry and Lane Walker helped organize the church. They had no building. The St. John A.M.E. Church of Pembroke, Georgia offered their space.
The first members came from Saint Phillips Baptist Church of Ellabell, Georgia. They included Brothers J.D. McMoore, Emanuel Smart and Will Pee. Sisters Annie Able, Sallie McMoore, Mary Neill and Mary Able Treadway joined too. The church was named Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend N.A. Hart became the first pastor. The first to be baptized were Brother Daniel Able and Sister Maggie Able.
Mount Moriah has had nine spiritual leaders. Reverend N.A. Hart served first. Reverend W.H. Styles was an interim minister. Reverend W.C. Whitfield served for thirty years until 1922. Later came Reverends S.M. Walker and J.A. Lockett. Then Reverends C.W. Anthony and A.E. Hagins led the church. Bishop K.E. McNeal followed. Reverend R.S. Tremble then took the role. Since 1999, Reverend Dr. Francys Johnson has served.
Mount Moriah has ordained several members. These include Reverends Will Smokes and Lossie Reese. Missionary Veronica Mangum also. The Reverend Jerry Adatsi now serves in Manchester, Georgia. Minister Valerie Frasier is a current Daughter of the House.
Over the years, Mount Moriah has ordained thirty-seven deacons. Laymen have also guided the church. Women have been organized under strong leaders. Ten sisters have been designated Church Mothers. Members have served as Treasurer and Church Clerk. Youth Directors have shaped the youth program. Christian Education has been led by nine superintendents.
In December 1999, Reverend Dr. Francys Johnson arrived. He became Senior Leader in 2003. The church declared, “We Shall S.O.A.R.” This means Seek the will of God, Overcome every obstacle, Achieve purposeful living, and Reach the Promised Land.
Mount Moriah is known as the “Church with the Helping Hands”. It is also the “Place where God Provides.” The church reorganized to serve the present age. Its aim is to provide a Christ-Centered setting. Here people can be redeemed, reconciled, restored, and revived.
Mount Moriah continues its legacy of service and community. It hosts events like the Annual Black History Celebration. This is a testament to its enduring impact. It stands as a place where everyone is welcome. It is a place to experience real community, love, and service to God.