History

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Our History

Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. was founded in 1892 by its first pastor, Reverend Stephany Milligan; who was also the pastor of Union Baptist Church (the mother church of Mount Moriah).

The first church was built on a parcel of land that belonged to Mr. J.P. Clark. The log structure was situated near a pond just off the main road between what is now Northwoods Mall and Ashley Phosphate Road. The church’s original name was ‘Mount Maria’ and was built with the lumber gathered from clearing the land loaned to the church.

The original church was destroyed by fire. In 1902, Mr. Wallace Williams deeded to Neptin Stewart, John Williams and Ceaser Green a half – acre tract of land for the sum of ten dollars ($10). The E. L. Jackson Fellowship Hall sits on that parcel of land today. The original church’s name was retained and reflected on the deed. The church received its current name from Sister Rachel Smith (great grandmother of our own Brother Walter Smith, Jr. and Sister Dora Smith).

1902 - 1908

Rev. Wallace Williams

Rev. Wallace Williams called as the second pastor. Under his leadership and before his resignation, a new church was erected at a new location because fire destroyed the first.
1908 - 1913

Rev. C.D. Johnson

Rev. C.D. Johnson called as the third pastor.
1914

Rev. Wallace Williams

Rev. Wallace Williams was called a second time to lead the church but died before assuming the position.
1914 - 1925

Rev. T.J. Montgomery

Rev. T.J. Montgomery was called as the fourth pastor.
1925 - 1927

The church was without a pastor.
1927 - 1935

Rev. C.D. Johnson

Rev. C.D. Johnson was called a second time.
1935 - 1963

Rev. John T. Thomas

Rev. John T. Thomas called as the fifth pastor.
1966 - 1991

Rev. Dr. Eddie Lewis Jackson

Rev. Dr. Eddie Lewis Jackson was called as our seventh pastor. Under his leadership, we increased our membership through the Holy Spirit and God has continued to bless the congregation. He faithfully served and led the congregation until he was called home to be with the Lord. These are some of our late Pastor Rev. Dr. E. Lewis Jackson accomplishments:

• Ten ministers were licensed and or ordained, ten new deacons ordained and 2 ministries were organized.
• The church membership grew from 80 to well over 600 members
• Discontinued all church fund-raising and supported church only through tithes and offering
• 1976 Bricking main sanctuary
• 1979 Education Building completed

1991 - 1992

Mt. Moriah was without a pastor. Deacon Charles I. Maxey served as Chairman of Deacons Ministry.
1992 - 2012

Rev. Dr. Augustus Davis Robinson, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Augustus Davis Robinson, Jr. was called as our eighth pastor with a two-fold vision. With the help of God and The Holy Spirit, these visions have enhanced the church family to a higher level of spiritual knowledge and Christian service as he continued the vision of our late Pastor Rev. Dr.
Lewis Jackson. Under Pastor Robinson’s leadership:
1996 – Purchase of land, a new sanctuary-now known as the chapel was built and mortgage paid off in 1999.
2005-The Family Life Center was built.
Licensed twenty-five ministers, nine evangelists and ordained forty- nine deacons
2009 – Created positions for Minister of Music, Community Outreach Minister and Youth Minister
2013 – Current sanctuary dedicated
2012 - 2017

Rev. Dr. Larry D. Goss, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Larry D. Goss, Sr. was called as our ninth pastor. Under his leadership and teaching:
Thirteen deacons were ordained and nine ministers were licensed
2016 – The Foreign missions project, Mt. Moriah Academy, was completed in the country of Uganda, Africa.
Four clergy ordained
March 2017

Mt. Moriah was without a pastor. Deacon George Lee Brown, served as Chairman of Deacon Ministry.
May 2017

Rev. Dr. Augustus D. Robinson Jr.

Rev. Dr. Augustus D. Robinson Jr. returns as interim Pastor.
September 2018

Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton

The Senior Pastor Search Committee recommended that the Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton become Mt. Moriah’s 10th Senior Pastor.
October 2018

Election of Dr. Benton

The Mt. Moriah church body overwhelmingly elected Dr. Benton.
December 2018

Rev. Dr. Augustus Dr. Robinson, Jr. gracefully returned to the status of Pastor Emeritus and Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton officially began his ministry as the Senior Pastor-Elect.
March 2019

Installation of Dr. Benton

Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.