Mount Pisgah Baptist Church

Did you ever hear of a church born in a storefront? Mount Pisgah Baptist Church has such a story. In 1929, Reverend Salina A. Perry started her mission in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her small group soon needed more space. They rented a storefront on Humboldt Street for $18 a month. On May 7, 1933, the mission officially became Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. Seven candidates were baptized at Concord Baptist Church. The congregation asked Reverend Perry to be their pastor. The late Reverend F. C. Scott delivered the charge, a solemn responsibility. The church continued to grow. In 1938, Mount Pisgah was incorporated. Reverend Adams of Concord Baptist Church ordained Reverend Perry through the Long Island Bible Society. In 1939, Mount Pisgah achieved a major milestone. They moved into their first real church building on Quincy Street. The property cost $30,000. They secured it with a down payment of just $50. The church thrived. Various groups were formed, including a Gospel Chorus, Boy Scouts, the Friendly Service Club, the Busy Bee Club, and the Evelyn Brown Club. After years of effort, the mortgage was finally paid off. The cornerstone was laid in 1962. In 1964, Reverend Perry suffered a stroke. She could no longer preach on Sundays. Reverend Charles Ancrum was asked to find a replacement until she recovered. He recommended Reverend George H. Murray. Reverend Murray, then Associate Minister at Merrick Park Baptist Church, preached his first sermon at Mount Pisgah in July 1964. Sadly, Reverend Perry passed away in 1966 at the age of 84. The church mourned for a year, with Reverend Murray serving as acting pastor. In 1967, the congregation unanimously voted for Reverend Murray to be their second pastor. His installation service followed in August. Under Reverend Murray’s leadership, Mount Pisgah experienced tremendous growth. Closed-circuit television was installed to accommodate the overflowing crowds. Eventually, two Sunday services were needed. In 1978, an incredible opportunity arose. Reverend Clarence Norman told Reverend Murray that St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church was for sale. The congregation voted to purchase the property on Tompkins Avenue. In 1979, Mount Pisgah moved into its current magnificent home. The new building boasted a sanctuary that seated 1,000, a school with 16 classrooms, an auditorium, a convent, and a rectory. In 1980, the Mt. Pisgah Christian Academy opened, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. Deaconess Elizabeth Murray, Reverend Murray’s wife, was instrumental in running the school. Reverend Murray continued to lead Mount Pisgah with vision. He oversaw renovations, including new bathrooms in the sanctuary, a new sound system, gas burners, a new baptistry, and a gas heating system. In 1989, a momentous occasion arrived. Mount Pisgah burned the mortgage. Reverend Murray, always thinking of the church’s future, had asked his friend Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood to assist if he was ever unable to continue. Shortly after, Reverend Murray suffered a stroke and passed away in 2000. After a period of mourning and interim leadership, Reverend Youngblood became the pastor of Mount Pisgah in 2002. He has continued the legacy of growth and improvement. The school was renamed the George H. Murray Christian Academy. Many enhancements were made. Today, Mount Pisgah Baptist Church stands as a testament to the faith and dedication of its founders and leaders. It continues to serve the community from its impressive home on Tompkins Avenue.