New Mount Hermon Baptist Church

What if a church could rise from just three members? Right here, at New Mount Hermon Baptist Church, that’s precisely what happened. New Mount Hermon Baptist Church began its incredible journey in 1952. Pastor Nelson Davis, guided by faith, founded the church with his wife, Lorene Davis, his sister-in-law, Doris Bishop, and a borrowed member, Viola Taylor. New Mount Hermon Baptist Church first took root in West Oakland at 5th and Willow Streets. Over ten years, the congregation expanded and moved to several locations within West Oakland, including 323 Henry Street, 711 Myrtle Street, and 809 Myrtle Street. Urban development and freeway construction forced another move, this time to Berkeley. A new church building at 936 Channing Way became their temporary home. But misfortune struck when the building was sold. Undeterred, the congregation found refuge with Rev. Benjamin Cooper’s church in Oakland. Their spirit remained strong, and their services continued with fervor. In June 1962, New Mount Hermon Baptist Church found a new home, a small house at 1021 Channing Way in Berkeley. The dedicated members transformed the house into a sanctuary. Then, a remarkable event occurred on September 3, 1973. Crosses mysteriously appeared in the church windows. Thousands flocked to witness this phenomenon. Many found salvation and healing during this extraordinary time. It was during this period that Pastor Davis embraced Psalm 91, verses 1 through 11, which remains a significant passage for the church today. In 1976, Pastor Davis envisioned a new church. Driven by this vision, construction began. The congregation temporarily moved to 3109 Sacramento Street in Berkeley in 1980. Their journey continued with a final move to 10th and Bancroft Way in Berkeley in 1982. Finally, on July 17, 1983, they triumphantly marched into their newly completed church building. New Mount Hermon Baptist Church stands as a testament to unwavering faith, perseverance, and the power of community.