history
Highlights of Mount Hermon History
In 1927, the church was organized and named on the present site with Rev. W.M. Clayton as the first pastor. In the early 1930’s the Rev. Dave Thomas built the first wooden frame structure.
In 1944, Rev. O.J. Jackson established the Building Fund. In 1949, a Tom Thumb wedding was held for the Building Fund. In 1951, Rev. F.D. Stribling was installed, and Rev. M.C. Stevens was installed as pastor.
In June of 1958, Rev. James Sanford was installed as pastor and continued to work on the much-needed building Fund for major repairs which were needed.
On March 30, 1959, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the present structure. In March of 1961, Rev. Sanford resigned leaving the church in a state of confusion. Brother John Carter was placed in the pulpit as an interim pastor.
In October of 1961, Rev. Joel Lawrence King, Sr. from Spartanburg, S.C. was called to pastor the church. He and his wife brought new life and hope not only to the members bur a voice that was respected by the city officials and community.
Rev. King immediately set up a reorganization program, which led to the incorporation of the Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in 1961.
There were nearly 20 Deacons and over 15 Trustees appointed by Rev. King. In 1962 he ordained Rev. Willie Haynes, Rev. Johnnie Swope, and Rev. John Carter. The church membership increased to over 500.
Rev. King and other church officials secured a loan to continue building the present building. He also redesigned the original blueprint drawings. It included a soundproof windowed cloakroom, a baptismal pool, beautiful red curtains, an usher signaling system, and remodeling of the kitchen.
Rev. King started the first Church Bulletin carrying a financial statement each Sunday.
Brother Elders made the first Tithing Box which is still used each Sunday now. July 1962 was the first Women’s Day with first lady, Mrs. Mary V. King as a speaker. $5000.00 was raised for the building fund.
September 23, 1963, was the dedication of the New Church building with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nephew of the Pastor delivering the dedication sermon.
A few of Rev. King’s accomplishments during his 13 years include weekly radio broadcasts, 4 pianos a 45 passenger busses, air conditioning system, purchase of lots, a 21-passenger bus, and a 38- passenger bus…Mt. Hermon’s membership has been as high as 875 with rev. King ordaining over 5 ministers and many deacons.
(A more detailed copy of the history of Mt. Hermon can be requested from the church office.)
