Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 3.4

In 1909 a band of Christians, few in number, strong in faith and courage prayerfully decided, they needed a place to worship in their own community that would be convenient since the travel to and from their place of worship was too far because transportation was very limited.

They were a large church family worshiping at the First Missionary Baptist Church, located on North Fourth Street. In a regular church business meeting the following person were prayerfully and regretfully granted letters of dismissal, to organize a church in the Midland Heights area.

Mr. & Mrs. A.C. White and family, Mr. & Mrs. Elijah Jones and family, Mr. & Mrs. John Wesley, Mr. & Mrs. Rufus Boeware and family, Mr. & Mrs. L.R. Royster and family, Mrs. Matilda Nevels and family, Mrs. Mary Ann Edwards and family, Mr. George Thomas family.

The first services were held in homes. As the membership grew they began worshipping under a brush arbor, during the winter months they worshipped in the Orphanage Academy, located on Armour Avenue and Waldron Road. Through this membership and Rec. C. H. Whittington the name, "Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church" was confirmed.

Realizing they were not progressing as a church the membership sought shelter. They moved to Young Avenue, building a brush arbor. The membership grew. In 1910 they felt they should have a c (Shepherd) Leader. Rev. G. H. Harvey, was District Missionary who had worked and supplied the pulpit was elected as the first Pastor.

In February 1936 the Lord sent us a young minister. Rev. Norman Harold McGill. He served as Pastor for 50 years. He passed away in 1986.

The deacons at that time were Bros. John Wesley, L. C. Thomas, Will Edwards, Will W. Taylor, John Rushing and Ernest Richardson. Some of the church officers were as follows: Missionary Society President, Sister Georgia Taylor, Superintendent of Sunday School, Sister Isabelle T. Bass, President of the Choir, sister Dee Cullers Edwards.

Many accomplishments have been made during the pasturage of Rev. McGill. Among them: the organization of the Deaconess Board, the Junior User Board, the Laymens Movement and ordained into the ministry were the Rev. Benjamin Franklin, Rev. William M. Kimble and Dr. Jackson A. Hawkins. Twelve deacons were ordained: Bro. Gideon Richardson, Branson Richardson, Square Nevels, Nolan Ricks, Homer Shepherd, George Norwood, Felix Driver, Owens Wilson, Curtis Gilyard, Charles Wilson and Calvin Christian. Other deacons that served were Bros. E.H. Hopkins, Chester Josenberger, Isaac Jones, Macy Laster and Harrison Richardson. Current deacons are Bros. Calvin Christian, James Mays, Christopher Christian, William Mays and Williams. Ross.

Through the years are motto has been "To God Be the Glory" for here at Mount Moriah we have learned to praise God from whom all blessings flow as we've come this far by faith.

Through the Lord's guidance as Pastor Jennings directs Mount Moriah in the pathway of the Lord, we are gaining new heights. HIs thrust is gaining more knowledge of the lord and corporately following His guidance.