“Giving souls a chance to know Jesus Christ” is Mount Olive Baptist Church’s mission. It stands as a beacon of faith in Charleston. Its story is rich with history and community spirit. Mount Olive Baptist Church began with a vision.
In the late 1800s, Rev. Simon L. Taylor had a Godly vision. He bought a house from Mr. Frasier. This purchase led to a significant achievement. Followers of Christ gathered in the Union Heights Community. They formed a congregation and built a storehouse. This storehouse became known as Frasier Will Baptist Church. The name honored the original owner of the house. Rev. Taylor also founded The Cooper River Baptist Association in 1890. He served as Moderator and President.
In 1929, the church underwent remodeling. The structural layout changed significantly. The church now faced Meeting Street Road. With this change came a new name: Mount Olive Baptist Church. The church also played another vital role. Due to a lack of schools for Black children, Mount Olive served as a day school.
Rev. Taylor’s health declined in the early 1950s. Several ministers assisted with church duties. In 1953, the deacons sought Rev. Thomas E. Prioleau. He had 37 years of missionary experience. Rev. Prioleau accepted the call and served faithfully. After Rev. Taylor’s death in 1959, Rev. Prioleau became the new pastor in 1960. He delivered messages on the second and fourth Sundays. Other ministers like Rev. Ernest Washington and Rev. Hercules Johnson filled in.
Hurricane Hugo caused heavy damage in 1989. Mount Olive relocated services to the Baptist Educational Center. Queen Baptist Church donated generously to aid rebuilding. Construction of a new sanctuary began in August 1991. John Singletary, Sr. and Dec. Joseph Hines laid the groundwork. Their efforts were crucial to the church’s future.
The congregation walked five blocks to their new sanctuary after its completion. Rev. Willis Glover, Sr. became Interim Pastor. In 1992, Rev. Prioleau retired due to illness and became Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Willis Glover, Sr. was installed as Pastor in 1993. That year, Mount Olive celebrated its 103rd anniversary.
The Prince Hall Lodge #46 erected the cornerstone in 1997. By 2004, Mount Olive proudly paid off the church mortgage. In 2010, the church reorganized its service schedule. Sunday School began at 8 am, followed by Morning Service at 9 am. Extensive renovations occurred in 2011. These renovations included relocating the pastor’s study and expanding the dining area.
Mount Olive Baptist Church stands firm. Its foundation is built on Jesus Christ. The church proclaims the Gospel. It is dedicated to serving the community’s needs. Mount Olive continues to be a beacon of hope. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance.