• Over the decades, God continued to bless Mt. Olive with faithful spiritual leaders:

• Pastor Gaines, who served faithfully for many years.

• Pastor Street, who followed and continued to strengthen the ministry.

• Around 1913, Pastor McBride organized a mission known as Pollock Town.

• Under Pastor McClain, tragedy struck in 1915 when the church building was destroyed by fire—with only the pulpit remaining. Through faith and perseverance, the church was rebuilt.

• Leadership continued under Pastor Collins, Pastor Cosy Nicholson, Pastor Ruffin, Pastor Moody, and Pastor W. P. Alexander.

• Under Pastor William Whitford, Mt. Olive purchased a new church home at 20th and Market Street.

• Pastor William Royston succeeded him, organizing the Willing Workers and Pastor’s Aid ministries. In 1964, under his leadership, Mt. Olive moved to 612 Washington Place, where the congregation continued to worship and grow.

• After Pastor Royston’s passing, Pastor Moses Lee served as pastor, followed by Pastor A. G. Williams in 1971. With the faithful support of First Lady Augusta Williams, Pastor Williams spearheaded the Inspiration Choir and faithfully served for 30 years.

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April 2002, Pastor Cornell Brown Sr. was called to lead Mt. Olive. Pastor Brown’s journey with Mt. Olive began long before his pastoral call, he was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church the age of 13 and returned at age 30. At 40, he was called to shepherd the very church that had nurtured his faith.

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Under Pastor Brown’s leadership, Mt. Olive embraced a renewed Mission Statement emphasizing prayer, the study of God’s Word, and spiritual growth. Through God’s vision, Pastor Brown led the church into a season of fasting, prayer, and obedience.

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When the former church building began to suffer from structural decay, God gave Pastor Brown a vision for a new sanctuary. Though national economic challenges made financing impossible, Pastor Brown heard God clearly: “Take the leap of faith and ” BUILD WITHOUT BORROWING.” With unshakable faith, Mt. Olive stepped into this divine promise, building and entering a new house of worship, debt-free On Easter Sunday 2015. Standing firmly on prayer, and the study of God’s Word.

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Today, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand strong at 1430 Summit Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois, under the leadership of Pastor Cornell Brown Sr. and his beautiful wife, First Lady Jennifer Brown. Together, they are the proud parents of three children, who remain a cherished part of the Mt. Olive family and legacy.

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Under Pastor Brown’s leadership, Pastor Brown ordained 11 deacons to strengthen the church’s spiritual foundation, 4 active deacons remain at the church. He continues to inspire every member to serve faithfully. Today, Mt. Olive thrives through ministries that serve both the congregation and the community, including the Trustee Ministry, Willing Workers, Christian Activities Ministry, Youth Ministry, Media Ministry, Voices of Mt. Olive, and the Mother Mission.

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A devoted teacher and leader, Pastor Brown is known for his strong belief in fellowship and his powerful, in-depth study of the Book of Revelation, which prepared the congregation for “The Serious Urgency of Now”. As the Word declares, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3, NIV).

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Through his teaching, he has reminded Mt. Olive that faith in God’s Word is the foundation for discernment, endurance, and hope. His heart for God and His people reflects the true spirit of a shepherd who loves, leads, and lifts our church family.