MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
The Mount Olive Baptist Church had its beginning on October 14, 1863. The Black brethren were members of the white people's church, namely Bethlehem Church of Warthen, Georgia. The white parishioners granted the black brethren the privilege of holding services one Sunday in each month. These services continued at Bethlehem until November 14, 1868, at which time the following members were granted their letters of dismissals, with the right to establish a church of their own, namely Brother David Minor, Brother Asa Gilmore, Brother Jeff Gilmore, Father Richard Nelson, and Sister Mary Curry. The Church was organized and given the name Mount Olive Baptist Church by Rev. T. J. Adam and Brother Asa Duggan, whom are both white.
After the organization of the Church, Rev. Daniel Palmer was called as pastor. The Church began to grow under their leadership. In the year 1870, the rest of the black members of the Bethlehem Church were granted letters of dismissals to unite with the Mount Olive Baptist Church; names are too numerous to mention. The first location for the building was decided upon on the hill just beyond the Warthen Bridge. For some reason this location was not suitable to build the church on by Mr. John Brown. The first structure was a brush harbor just across the road. Services were held there for some considerable time, after which a small structure was erected. In the year of 1886, the church felt the need for a larger building. The deacons purchased a piece of land from Mr. Billy Walker upon which the church now stands.
Some of the former pastors of the Mount Olive Baptist Church include Rev. Daniel Palmer, Rev. David Minor, Rev. W. J. Stephen, Rev. Sia Rayford, Rev. Aaron Conally, Rev. Steve Hooks, Rev. Willie Duggan, Rev. W. J. Stephen (Whom was recalled), Rev. J.L. Gilmore, Rev. Henry Louis Tanner, Rev. Dr. Christopher Watkins
Rev. Christopher Watkins brought a unique and pleasing atmosphere with him. Many additions have been added since Rev. Watkins came, such as, new interior doors at the front of the sanctuary, new handicapped compatible steps leading to the annex, Church vision, mission statement, a motto, and several other improvements. On Sunday, February 17, 2019, Minister Haynes became Rev. Dorothy Haynes. The church continued to prosper under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Christopher Watkins along with Rev. Dorothy Haynes. Rev. Christopher Watkins and Rev. Dorothy Haynes became a working and united Duo for the Lord. On Sunday, April 28, 2019, Rev. Christopher Watkins delivered his farewell sermon to the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Rev. Dorothy Haynes served as the Presiding Minister along with Minister Saketha Butts, the daughter of the house, and others in carrying on worship service. After long and careful consideration the congregation called Rev. Corian Roberson as pastor in January 2020..
After the organization of the Church, Rev. Daniel Palmer was called as pastor. The Church began to grow under their leadership. In the year 1870, the rest of the black members of the Bethlehem Church were granted letters of dismissals to unite with the Mount Olive Baptist Church; names are too numerous to mention. The first location for the building was decided upon on the hill just beyond the Warthen Bridge. For some reason this location was not suitable to build the church on by Mr. John Brown. The first structure was a brush harbor just across the road. Services were held there for some considerable time, after which a small structure was erected. In the year of 1886, the church felt the need for a larger building. The deacons purchased a piece of land from Mr. Billy Walker upon which the church now stands.
Some of the former pastors of the Mount Olive Baptist Church include Rev. Daniel Palmer, Rev. David Minor, Rev. W. J. Stephen, Rev. Sia Rayford, Rev. Aaron Conally, Rev. Steve Hooks, Rev. Willie Duggan, Rev. W. J. Stephen (Whom was recalled), Rev. J.L. Gilmore, Rev. Henry Louis Tanner, Rev. Dr. Christopher Watkins
Rev. Christopher Watkins brought a unique and pleasing atmosphere with him. Many additions have been added since Rev. Watkins came, such as, new interior doors at the front of the sanctuary, new handicapped compatible steps leading to the annex, Church vision, mission statement, a motto, and several other improvements. On Sunday, February 17, 2019, Minister Haynes became Rev. Dorothy Haynes. The church continued to prosper under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Christopher Watkins along with Rev. Dorothy Haynes. Rev. Christopher Watkins and Rev. Dorothy Haynes became a working and united Duo for the Lord. On Sunday, April 28, 2019, Rev. Christopher Watkins delivered his farewell sermon to the Mount Olive Baptist Church. Rev. Dorothy Haynes served as the Presiding Minister along with Minister Saketha Butts, the daughter of the house, and others in carrying on worship service. After long and careful consideration the congregation called Rev. Corian Roberson as pastor in January 2020..