The history of New Mt. Olive Baptist Church is a unique blend of past and present. Here is a chronological look at a past that is rich in heritage, and a future that is full of vision and promise. It will show the steadfastness of our forefathers and their determination to provide their small community with a place of worship.
The Beginning
The first church was built in 1888, and was called Mount of Olives. The founder was Ikeman Byrd, and the organizers were Sam Taylor, Esau Simuel, Jessie Reese and Isaiah Wilson. The first services were held in August 1889. The first prayer was delivered by Bro. lkeman Byrd, and the first sermon was preached by Rev. Lewis Lowman, Sr. The text was, "Ye Are The Salt Of The Earth," and the subject was, "Joy Is Coming In The Morning." The scriptural reference was Matthew 5:13.
The first candidates for baptism were: Sis. Mary Taylor, Bro. Adam Taylor, Bro. Julius Gray and Sis. Winnie Allen. Church officers were Deacons Jessie Reese, Isaiah Wilson, Sam Taylor, Harry Brooks, and Esau Simuel. Sisters Phyllis Reese, Rosa Brooks and Patience Young were the godmothers. Choir leaders were Brother Eddie Benbow and Brother Lawrence Bailey, and consisted of about twenty members. The church's enrollment was approximately ninety members.
In the 1920's the first church was destroyed by fire. Worship services were then held in the Stony Hill Grammar School. During this period members made plans to have the church rebuilt. Deacon Shelley Cope donated most, if not all, of the building materials. Our present church was rebuilt in 1930. Assisting qualified carpenters, the present church was built by fathers, sons and other members of the church.
Former Ministers
In order of their service, Mt. Olive’s former ministers were: Rev. Richburg of Columbia, SC; Rev. Williams of Forte Motte, SC; Rev. Shiver of Congaree SC; Rev. Lewis Lowman of Hopkins, SC; Rev. Wells of Orangeburg, SC. All of the aforementioned ministers are now deceased. The first Sunday School Superintendents were Bro Ike Reese and Bro. Eddie Benbow. Mt. Olive’s next minster was Rev. Hill Taylor. Rev. Taylor served faithfully for approximately thirty years and baptized a large segment of the church enrollment.
Church officers during this time were Dec. Shelly Cope, Sunday School Teacher; Dec. John Anderson, Chairman of the Deacon Board; Dec. Charlie Jones, Church Clerk; Dec. Hilliard Wilson, Treasurer; Dec. George Wilson, Sunday School Superintendent; Dec. William Seymour, Choir Leader and Janitor; godmothers were Sis. Phyllis Reese, Sis. Patience Young, Sis. Rosa Brooks, Sis. Brennie Wilson, Sis. Emma Cape, and Sis. Martha Goodwin.
Secretaries & Sunday School Teachers
Past secretaries include; Sis. Ann Taylor, Sis. Ada Powell, Sis. Anna Bynum, Sis. Florence Cornish, and Sis. Pandora Wilson
Past Sunday School Teachers include; Sis. Eddie Finch (Class #1), Sis Amanda Young (Class #2), Sis Anna Benbow (Intermediate Class #1), Sis. Evangeline Joyner (Intermediate Class #2), Sis. Eliese Stroman (Primary Class #1), Celestine Rivers (Primary Class #2), Bro. James Bailey (Beginners Class), Sis. Thelma Cornish, Bro. Willie Seymour, and Dec. Peter Seymore
Pastors & Deacons
In 1966 Rev. Eugene Hagan, of Columbia, SC, was chosen as Mt. Olive's acting pastor. He, too, worked faithfully as his brothers before him. On September 1st, 1969, Rev. Taylor died; therefore Rev. Hagan continued his duties as acting pastor while the church continued to grow. Dec. William Seymour and others discussed plans for remodeling the church. Such discussions led to the construction of a kitchen and Sunday School rooms.
In the fall of 1966 the members elected Rev. Lewis Gunter. Rev. Gunter was pastor for about eleven years. During his stay at Mount Olive the church continued to grow. Many things were accomplished and most of the remodeling was completed. Bro. James Brown helped with the renovations of the kitchen. The church membership grew immensely as a result of Rev. Gunter’s ministry. Mrs. Essie Williams was called to the ministry. On April 23, 1973 she became a licensed minister.
Rev. James D. Ulmer of St. Matthew, SC was elected as pastor. Under the leadership of Rev. Ulmer, the projects started were completed. This included the stained glass windows which were installed in 1981. The choir stands were remodeled and new carpet installed. The J.D. Ulmer Youth Choir was organized in his honor. Sis. Vivian Cook became a licensed minister under Rev. Ulmer’s leadership. Mount Olive was blessed with new members and the ministry continued.
Pastors & Deacons (continued)
Rev. Norman E. Curlee was elected pastor in November of 1991. His installation service was held on May 31, 1992. The church closed for a brief period. The members of the community wanted to keep Mt. Olive opened as its place of worship. Certain events took place which enabled the doors of Mt. Olive to open once again. Each Sunday, evening services were held with guest ministers, and eventually Sunday morning services began with guest ministers. Rev. Joshua N. King was one of the guest ministers.
An election was held at the November 2004 church meeting, and Rev. Joshua N. King was elected pastor. The pastor's installation service was held in January 2005. Pastor King's ministry ended at Mt. Olive in January 2006. In September 2006, the trustees and members of Mt. Olive selected Rev. James P. Durant to bring the Word of God, and on December 19, 2006 he was elected as Pastor. Pastor Durant was installed on March 4, 2007.
Today
After a short time under Pastor Durant’s tutelage, funds were raised to upholster all of the church pews. Officially changing its name, but not the Spirit of God that moves within, Mt. Olive became New Mt. Olive in 2008. Working steadfast with the members, and through sacrificial giving, Mt. Olive’s church debt was paid off in 2009. A Debt Burning Ceremony was held on Sunday, January 10, 2010. God has truly blessed New Mt. Olive and He continues to add to the kingdom with three assistant ministers - Rev. Joseph Wilson, Jr., Evangelist Teresa Jackson, and Minister Lavoia Wilson. Sunday School Teachers are Sis. Renee Outing (Youth), Trustee Dwight Young (Adults) and Rev. Joseph Wilson, Jr. (New Members). Deacons Ernest Lloyd, Luther Jowers and Albert Tucker have shared the common role of Deacon Chair during this time, as fellow Deacons Herman Scott, Frank Taylor, Ronnie Young and Bernard Tucker continue to assist in serving the members of New Mt. Olive. Dec. Emeritus Joseph Wilson, Sr. remains a faithful member of the church. Other current officers of New Mt. Olive are Rev. Joseph Wilson, Jr., Director of Christian Education; Past Trustee Chairpersons (Ada Hopkins and S. George Wilson) have passed the torch to Milton Frederick, current Trustee Chair. Additional Trustees are: John Anderson, Theodore Brantley, Clayton Cornish, Thomas Dowdy, Wallace Dowdy (current Vice Chair), Ada Hopkins, Cora Joyner, Jill Macon, Cora Scott, Jacquelyn Seymour, Ernest Tucker, Mae P. Tucker, Jeannette Wilson, S. George Wilson and Dwight Young.
Kayla B. Edwards serves as Financial Secretary, Sis. Ernestine Tucker is serves as Treasurer, and Lachelle Frederick, Clerk. Pastor Durant’s love for the children in the church prompted him to re-establish a youth ministry, including the children’s choir. As well, members stepped in to assist in the beginning of children’s church (taught by Sis. Edith Simuel, Sis. Monica Cunningham and Sis. Letitia Harrison-Durant), and annual youth trips are always an anticipation. The Men’s and Women’s Ministries were formed, and the Annual Men’s and Annual Women’s Retreats were birthed, sharing God’s Word with its members and those beyond New Mt. Olive. Ensuring all members used their God-given talents, Pastor Durant charged the then musician (Tim Welsley) to help organize a NMOBC Men’s Choir. Pastor Durant even lead a song during its inception. In July, 2013 Lady Dorinda Chambers was hired as an anointed Minister of Music, while Brother Byron Wilson faithfully continues in his role as New Mt. Olive's drummer. Mr. Ernest "Bo Jack" Tucker served faithfully as sexton for 11 years and retired in July 2014. Mrs. Annie Brown serves as the current sexton. Renovations to New Mt. Olive have taken place, inside and outside the sanctuary, to include new carpeting, kitchen tile replacement, painting, the purchase of choir chairs, bathroom fixtures and ceiling fan installation.
Being directed by God, New Mt. Olive still heeds the adopted church motto given to Pastor Durant in 2009 – “Strengthen the Men, Build the Children and Embrace the Women!”With the spirits high, and as the Saints are excited about praising and worshipping God, New Mt. Olive continues to prosper in ALL facets, while being led by the Holy Spirit of God! Celebrating its 126th Anniversary in 2014, New Mt. Olive Baptist Church acknowledges the goodness of God, and the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As long as there are people in a community to be ministered to, God will continue to provide a ministry for His people. New Mt. Olive shall continue while Envisioning, Evangelizing, Equipping & Discipling... always “Seeking the lost at all costs”.