​

• Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1891 by Rev. Ben Neal.  Before an edifice was erected, early members worshiped under a brush arbor.

• Sis. Mary Beasley, Sis. Susie Mitchell and Sis. Moriah Reddish went into the community to solicit help to build a church. 

• Two acres of land were donated for a permanent place of worship by Dock and/or Mead Belvin with the promise that the church would be named Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

• The first church building was constructed under the leadership of Rev. W.H. Stanfield.  

• Rev. James Whitted, served from 1928 to 1949. Founded many of the church’s auxiliaries. He delivered his farewell sermon seated in a chair as his health was failing

• The foundation for the present structure was built in 1938.

• Rev. A.T. Smith is currently the longest serving pastor in church history (38 years) 

• In 1989, Rev. Thelbert J. Brown briefly served as pastor and during his short tenure, the church increased Sunday worship services from two Sundays a month to four Sundays.

• In December 1989, Rev. Dr. James W. Freeman was elected the 10th pastor of Mt. Olive. Significant changes under his leadership include 8:00 am Sunday morning worship, 5th Sunday Praise and Worship service, renovation and expansion of the church sanctuary and addition of an education wing.

• In early 2000s, the first female deacon, Deacon Patsy McNair was elected and the church saw the addition of its first two female associate ministers, Rev. Bessie Wiggins and Min. Tamara Minor.