Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church

History of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church

The Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan, was begun by a small group of strong and resolute Christians. Under the leadership of Rev. W. Lyons, several attempts were made to organize a Baptist Church, beginning in 1902. Very little progress was made until 1907. In 1907, the Sunday School was organized first, and then later, Rev. Gillard, State Missionary of the Michigan Baptist Convention, organized the church. During the formative years, meetings were held quite often in homes.

The home in which the church was organized was that of the late Mrs. Sarah F. Howard, 509 East Ninth Street. The church was named Mt. Olive by Rev. W. Lyons. The following were among the first members: H. Bethune, George Morton, H. Saunders, H. Martin, Mrs. M. Lyons, Mrs. M. Jenkins, Mrs. L. Joiner and Mrs. Hattie Morgan. The first church house was located at 420 Ward Street (now Twelfth Street), Rev. Adams and Rev. Jackson served as pastors before 1915. From 1915-1917, Rev. H. Dungy served. During his pastorage, a building at 1601 Clifford Street was purchased. Rev. Bolen was the pastor for a short time after Rev. Dungy's term. Rev. J. C. Nicholas was pastor from 1917-1923. In 1917, the congregation organized a mission on Flint's North side that later became Shiloh Baptist Church. 

Rev. W.H. McKinney served as pastor, from 1923-1929. Under his leadership, the membership grew from 63 to 300. Rev. McKinney improved the organization of the church, the Sunday School, Choir, Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Missionary Society and the Usher Board. From 1930 to 1936, Rev. L.R.W. Johnson, Rev. P.L. Saunders and Rev. J.H. Thomas served as pastors. Rev. W.S. Winston and Rev. E.J. Timmons served as supply pastors, alternately.

In 1939, Rev. R.R. Turpin became pastor. He served the church and community well for 33 years. Rev. Turpin was a wise and competent leader. During his administration, the membership increased and many improvements were made. In 1950, Mt. Olive moved to a new sanctuary at the corner of East Kennelworth and Liberty streets, the present location. By 1952, the sanctuary was clear of all indebtedness. Ground was broken for a new Educational Unit in 1956. When Rev. Turpin retired in 1972, Mt. Olive was clear of all indebtedness. Rev. Turpin died January 13, 1986.

In October 1972 Rev. Roy I. Greer became pastor. Under his capable guidance, the church has continued to prosper and grow spiritually, numerically and financially. Fourteen preachers were licensed under his tenure. An extensive renovation of the Sanctuary, Offices on the first floor and Classrooms on the lower level began in the Fall of 1988 was completed in the same year. In 1999, The Family Life Center was constructed. This two-story building, contiguous to Turpin Fellowship Hall, has ten classrooms, a regulation sized basketball court, commercial kitchen and office. It serves as a recreation center for youth and is a source of community outreach. Rev. Greer served faithfully as the pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church for 36 ½ years until his death, on November 17, 2008. Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Austin served as interim pastor from Feb 1, 2009 until November 29, 2009. He spearheaded the search for a new pastor. 

On November 8, 2009 Mt. Olive Baptist Church entered a new era when it extended an invitation to Rev. Dr. Major A. Stewart to become its next Pastor.  Pastor Stewart gave his first sermon on Dec 6, 2009 and was officially installed as Senior Pastor on March 7, 2010. With his addition, Mt. Olive will continue a tradition of missionary outreach and pastoral training.