Did you know that Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Dallas began with a group of God-fearing Christians? It all started on June 21, 1971. They gathered at Judea Baptist Church. The late Rev. W. H. Saunders pastored Judea at the time. Rev. Floyd D. Harris presided over the gathering. Over one hundred people were present.
Early on, Dr. U. S. Cornelius was called to pastor. He recommended the name Mount Sinai Baptist Church. A board of deacons was chosen. The late Deacon W. T. Wallace became its chairman. Deacon Gus Booker was treasurer. Later, Deacon Robert Page took on that role. Walter McClenton was the secretary. Deacon Lee E. Polk now holds that position. Mrs. L. M. Polk was elected church clerk. She still serves in that role.
Initially, the Mount Sinai Baptist Church had fifty members. Thirty-seven have passed away. Some original members still remain. They include Alberta Anderson and Candace McMillan. Others are Patrice Brooks and Rebecca Page. Brenda and Bertha Conner are also among them. James Conner and Lee Polk continue to be members. W. F. Cornelius and Lauren Polk are still involved. Joyce Graves and L.M. Polk are also charter members.
In 1973, Mount Sinai Baptist Church moved. Its new home was at 1106 Pemberton Hill Road in Dallas. Members considered it a beautiful ranch-style house of God. They believed God knew they would own it soon.
God opened another door in February 1993. Mount Sinai secured a landscaped church. It was located at 6819 Lake June Road in Dallas. The late pastor led the church family into their new home. They marched in “Zion” style on February 14, 1993. Hearts were filled with praise to God. Formal services and a dedication followed.
On April 11, 1993, Dr. C.A.W. Clark shared in their services. He was the pastor of Good Street Baptist Church. He was also president of the B.M.&E. Convention of Texas. In addition, he was Vice President at Large of the National Baptist Convention. Many other churches joined in the celebration.
The Mount Sinai Baptist Church rejoices in its blessings. The Bible teaches that trials bring patience. Patience develops strength. It helps us trust God more. The late Dr. U. S. Cornelius emphasized this.
On August 11, 1999, Dr. U. S. Cornelius passed away. He was the founder of Mount Sinai Baptist Church. The church family and community mourned. His memory remains with them.
The church began searching for a new pastor. A search committee was formed. Members included Brenda Conner and Rebecca Page. W. F. Cornelius and Robert Page were also on the committee. Sidney Cornelius and L. E. Polk participated. James Cole and L. M. Polk helped in the search. Mary English and Allen Roberts contributed. Cassandra Miller and Rubin Scroggins were involved too. Theodore Faulkner Jr. completed the team.
The Mount Sinai Church family called Dr. Stephen L. Jones to be pastor. He accepted on October 8, 2000. He became pastor on October 15, 2000.
Under Dr. Jones’ vision, the church retired its debt. This happened on April 21, 2002. A Mortgage Burning Service took place. Mrs. W. F. Cornelius assisted. Mount Pisgah Lodge No. 135 laid the church cornerstone after the service. Mount Sinai Baptist Church continues to thrive. It is a testament to faith and perseverance.