How about we explore a church with a story of resilience. That’s New Mount Olive Church. Its history began humbly on November 25, 1918.
In 1923, under Reverend H.P. Bragdon’s guidance, the church officially became New Mount Olive Baptist Church. A new church building was needed. Reverend Bragdon and Sister Mary Liza Williams chose a spot at Fourth Street and Ninth Avenue. By 1925, a small wooden church stood there.
The congregation grew quickly. The members showed great faith. They rebuilt churches damaged by the hurricanes of 1926 and 1928. A permanent building was finished in 1929. The congregation moved in during early September. By the time Reverend Bragdon’s leadership ended in 1930, the church had over 500 members.
Reverend O.W. Wells was called in 1937. The church experienced more growth. The membership increased along with the church’s influence. A new and larger church was constructed.
The Missionary Society started on July 27, 1939. Sister Rosa Lewis was its first president. It expanded from twelve members to eleven groups with over 112 members. Physical improvements continued. The church kitchen and dining room were remodeled by February 1960. By August 31, 1960, the membership reached around 1,700.
In March 1962, Reverend G.E. Weaver took over the leadership. Under him, New Mount Olive Church grew in spirit, numbers, and structure. The old church got a new wing. It added eighteen classrooms. The Sanctuary gained space for 200 more people.
Seventeen years later, in February 1979, Reverend Weaver led the congregation to a new 1.5 million dollar building across the street.
In August 1981, with the church’s support, Reverend Weaver invited Dr. Mack King Carter to become Co-Pastor. Dr. Carter was then the Pastor of Green Castle Baptist Church in Kentucky. He served with Reverend Weaver until Weaver’s retirement in November 1982. Reverend Weaver became Pastor-Emeritus. Dr. Carter was then chosen to succeed him.
Under Dr. Carter’s direction, the membership grew to over 10,000. He started a television ministry broadcast nationally and internationally. He also created the Mount Olive Development Corporation MODCO. MODCO aimed to revitalize low-income communities. It focused on economic development, job creation, and family support through public service, housing, and entrepreneurial efforts.
Dr. Carter was a respected theologian. He wrote four books. He lectured widely as a spiritual leader. After 27 years, on September 27, 2009, Dr. Carter gave his final sermon as Senior Pastor of New Mount Olive Baptist Church. He retired from pastoral ministry. On October 2, 2009, the church honored Dr. Carter with a retirement banquet celebrating his years of service. Dr. Carter was named Pastor Emeritus before he retired.
A search committee was formed to find the next pastor. In November 2009, Reverend Marcus D. Davidson was elected as the new Senior Pastor. New Mount Olive Church continues to build its history. It strives to be a community of faith. The church looks to the future with hope. It believes in the enduring power of Jesus Christ.