Church History

 

Founded in 1888, Mount Olive Baptist Church’s history is a story of faith, perseverance, and fellowship—from a bush arbor on the McDade farm to a new church home in 2013.

 

Our Beginnings: 1888–1928

Rev. John Grant organized Mount Olive in 1888 and served as its first pastor, with Bro. McDade as head deacon. The congregation moved from the McDade farm to East Nelson Street, then built its first church at Travis Avenue and Monterey Street. The building was later moved across the street and expanded.

​

Early pastors included Rev. Swain, Rev. Paul McCloud, Rev. McClennon, Rev. J. M. Carter, Rev. Hill, Rev. Swansy, Rev. Square, Rev. Bradford, Rev. Stringfellow, Rev. John Dodd, Rev. Ivey, Rev. Hunter, and Rev. Throne. The church was remodeled under Rev. Hill, and Rev. Dodd built the first parsonage at 1114 S. Travis Avenue.

 

Growing Together: 1928–1977

Rev. W. O. Bell became pastor in 1928. In 1940, the church purchased land at 401 E. Day St. and later moved and remodeled its building. Rev. W. S. McNeill served as assistant pastor. When the old building was torn down, St. Paul Baptist Church welcomed us to worship at 418 E. Nelson Street. We remain grateful for their hospitality.

​

After Rev. Bell’s death in 1943, Rev. J. T. Fennell became pastor, serving until 1953. Rev. R. B. Cooper followed and led the congregation into a new building in 1959 before leaving for Newton, Kansas.

Rev. C. H. Davis served from 1959 to 1961. Rev. Cooper then returned as pastor, architect, and carpenter, serving until August 1977.

 

Faithful Leadership: 1977–1993

Rev. R. D. Clayton served from October 16, 1977, to September 17, 1979. Rev. J. E. Kelly Jr. became interim pastor on September 22, was elected full-time pastor on December 11, and began that role on January 1, 1980. He led the laying of the cornerstone in 1981.

Rev. F. S. Smith Sr. accepted the pastorate on April 1, 1984, but died on June 9. Rev. W. P. Smith accepted the call on July 20, became full-time pastor on August 12, and served until his death on September 21, 1989.

Rev. T. R. McNealy served from November 22, 1989, to November 28, 1993, making church improvements that included his own carpentry work.

 

“It’s Church Time”: 1994–2012

Rev. S. D. Breaux became pastor on February 8, 1994. Guided by his motto, “It’s Church Time,” Mount Olive grew spiritually, financially, and numerically during his seventeen years of service. We cherish his wisdom and faithful leadership. The parsonage at 405 E. Day St. was lost to fire on April 26, 2008. Pastor Breaux retired on August 7, 2011, and died on December 22, 2013.

Rev. Feddie Orr Sr. began serving as interim pastor on September 24, 2011, for a six-month probationary period and was appointed interim pastor on April 1, 2012. We thank him for guiding the church through this transition.

 

A New Church Home: 2012–2013

Rev. Alton E. Blakely accepted the pastorate on December 9, 2012, and was installed on April 12, 2013. His “Next Generation” focus encouraged youth and prepared young deacons and trustees for leadership.

​

A severe storm and sewer backup damaged the church in 2013. As we considered a new home, Southside Baptist Church’s pastor, Bro. Taylor, and congregation graciously welcomed us into their former building at 1131 S. Scullin Ave.

Both churches’ deacons and trustees arranged for Mount Olive to purchase the church separately from the gym. Landmark Bank of Denison required a $70,000 down payment within two months. Our congregation met the challenge with faith, generosity, and a “Can Do” spirit.

​

We gratefully acknowledge Pastor and Sister Kimberly Blakely; Bro. Leon and Sis. Velma Criss; Bro. James and Sis. Theresa Jones; Minister Gary and Sister Moore; Bro. Aaron Peters; Sis. Arleta Criss; Bro. Dennis and Sis. Myrtle Ransom; and a sister outside our membership who helped make the purchase possible. Their gifts went above and beyond what was asked.

In August 2013, Mount Olive purchased the former Southside church at 1131 S. Scullin Ave. in Denison, Texas—a milestone made possible through God’s help and a congregation working together.

 

Our Heritage of Faith

We honor every pastor, member, and neighboring congregation who helped shape our story. Through growth, loss, and new beginnings, we give God the glory for Mount Olive’s enduring heritage of faith and fellowship.