MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY
BAPTIST CHURCH
East St. Louis, Illinois
Pastor Cornell Brown Sr.
OUR HISTORY
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1889 under the leadership of Rev. Benjamin Foy, the Covington Family, and the Buchanan family. It was located at 2600 Piggott Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois. It was as the "Mother Church" and the first Negro Church in East St. Louis. Other churches that organized after Mt. Olive were: Macedonia, St. Paul, Rev. John DeShields, Truelight, Rev. Lampley, Macedonia, and New Hope. Mt. Olive is recognized as the "Mother Church" due to a mission formed on December 12, 1913, which led to the organization of New Hope.
The Rev. Benjamin Foy was pastor for a short time; then, Rev. G.W. Gaines was called into ministry. Great works were accomplished under Pastor Gaines. He held many successful revivals where countless souls were saved. Our congregation began to expand under his leadership. Following his departure was Rev. Street, Rev. McClain, and Rev. Collins. They continued to further the mission of our Church and positively contributed to the foundation of the Church's practice of the word of God. Following Rev. Collins was Rev. Nicholson, Rev. Ruffin and Rev. Moody. Their leadership banded the church together and lead to a growth in membership.
Rev. W.P. Alexander took over after Rev. Moody and his strong Christian teachings help to called many people into our faith. He also reorganized the Usher Board, the Missionary Society, and the Choirs. After Rev. Alexander, Rev. William Whitford was called to Mt. Olive. Rev. Whiteford and the Deacon/ Trustee Board presented a plan to purchase a new location for the Church. After his departure, Rev William Royston, was called to be an asset to the growth and prosperity of the Church. Rev. Royston organized the Willing Works Organization and the Pastor's Aid Ministry. In May of 1964, Rev. Royston led the congregation to the Church's new location at 612 Washington Place. He continued to serve the Church faithful until his passing in 1969.
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Rev. A. G. Williams became Pastor of the Church on September 5, 1971. The church began to take on a new life and gained many new followers under his leadership. He reorganized our Sunday School and Youth Choir. He also spearheaded the organization of the Inspirational Choir. He established several building fund drives and taught the spiritual aspect of tithing that to this day is instrumental to the Church's success and growth. Rev. Williams is to be remembered as one of the most dedicated and productive pastor to serve Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
His love and compassion for all made him a well-respected pillar of our community. He resigned in 2002 due to health failures and his successor is Pastor Cornell Brown Senior.
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OUR MISSION
Our purpose at the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church is to make know to every Man, Woman, Boy and Girl- the redemption that is available through Jesus Christ
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We dedicate ourselves in love - to be FAITHFUL to our Savior - Jesus Christ - COMMITTED to the Church - the body of Christ - and SACRIFICE for the kingdom of God.
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Our focus is to Educate, Equip, and Evangelize - To promote PRAYER and the study of the WORD OF GOD - As primary Principles for Individuals and Church Growth
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in God, My Father
I believe in Jesus Christ
The Way - The Truth - and Life
My Savior
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I Believe in Man
His Ideals
His Aspirations
and Dreams
My brother
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I believe in Myself
What I am
What I hope to be
and What by God's Grace
I shall be
My best self