HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR CHURCH HISTORY

The first deacons of this newly established local church were Brothers Clarence Hicks, Charlie Daniels, Jack Stepp and Clay Mitchell. Some of the first members were Desby Jackson, Emma Williams, Willie Ann Austin, Minister and Mrs. Hicks. Sis. Hicks was the first president of the Missionary Society, and she also submitted the name New Mt. Vernon. Among the first candidates for baptism were Rose Adams and Gussie Mae Austin-Dade.

In 1928 J.M. Hartwick was called to the pastorate of the church. He continued the worship services in the portable school slightly more than one year. The fellowship felt keenly the need for their own house of worship, and a building was bought in 1929 and placed on the lots purchased under Pastor Bates.

The following years presented opportunities for special emphasis in the functional service of the church. A school of Mission, Young People’s Union, Usher Board and Choir were all helpful to the enrichment of the membership. After nine fruitful and effective years, Pastor Hartwick resigned as of 1937.

Former Pastor Bates took charge of the church until E.L. Phillips was called as pastor in June of 1938. Pastor Phillips served for just more than a year. S.M. Thomas was called as pastor in August 1939. At that time, G.L. Thompson was called as assistant pastor.

It was in the period from 1940 to 1947 that the community needed true leaders to serve, inspire and uplift humanity. World War II had its effect upon the “little white church,” the community was indeed changing, and the church officials purchased the lots on Ithaca and Pasadena.

In 1940 during the tenure of Pastor Thomas the basement of the old building was constructed. The pastor and people worked diligently to maintain a high degree of fellowship and worship. The total church membership grew. At the end of seven year of fruitful and effective ministry, Pastor S.M. Thomas was called from labor to reward on December 25, 1947.

On April 11, 1948 the membership was directed by the Holy Spirit to call R.J. Cunningham, an associate minister of the church, as pastor.

In 1950 a building committee was appointed and authorized to obtain an architect to draw up a blue print for the main sanctuary. April 12, 1953 was the day that a motorcade was formed of our members. Pastor Cunningham led us into the spacious new auditorium, completed for a cost less than $48,000. The Lord again blessed The New Mt. Vernon Family in a special way and on June 17, 1957 the Mortgage Burning Celebration was held. On August 9, 1959 the cornerstone was laid with Golden Rule Lodge No. 36 as host. Willie H. Phillips, worshipful Master and P.G.M. Elmer L. Wallace laid the stone.

On May 17, 1960 the Lord called our beloved Pastor R.J. Cunningham, unto Himself to spend eternity with Him.

G.L. Thompson, assistant pastor, at the request of the church family, took charge and served until December 16, 1960 when Pastor J.L. Webb followed the direction of the Holy Spirit and accepted the call to serve as pastor of The New Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Early in his pastorate, Pastor Webb made many renovations to the old building among them: renovation of the Dining Room and Ladies and Men’s restrooms, redecoration and purchase of new pews for the sanctuary. Soon thereafter the lots immediately west of the church were purchased.

On August 31, 1969 we broke ground for a new worship center. May 1, 1971 was the day construction actually began. Again, the pastor and members worked diligently and on November 28, 1971 we entered the new church, constructed at a cost of just over $400,000. As our theme for Entrance and Dedication Day said, “This Far by Faith.” Yes we have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord!

The new edifice has a seating capacity of 1200 sufficiently equipped with aids that will facilitate our doing our best for the Lord, His work and His people. November 27, 1983 the Mortgage Burning Celebration was observed.

Pastor Webb’s anointed vision has led us forward in the work of the Lord. Through his keen understanding of the needs of hurting humanity, our community outreach expanded. In addition to our weekly door-to-door evangelistic outreach spreading the good news of the gospel message, we began our Tutorial Ministry and Family Nights in 1984. The Tutorial Ministry provided tutoring by certified teachers for any student in any subject free of charge. Family Night was a very special time of family fun and fellowship. There were seasonal programs that permitted the children to invite guests and showcase their talents. There were special sessions where trained professionals provided information designed specifically for parents and/or children. There were “rap sessions” where both were given a forum to air their opinions and concerns. Of course Family Nights were times where the importance of prayer, Bible study and godly living were the focus.

In 1993 our Youth Ministry was added to our roster of Ministries, Auxiliary Ministries and Special Programs. The Youth Ministry provides the children of New Mt. Vernon with opportunities for Christian recreation. We also provide academic and career counseling as well as addressing gender specific concerns. During special Youth Ministry seminars flyers are distributed and special invitations are extended to area schools, churches and community groups to encourage community wide participation.

In 1995 Pastor Webb’s concern for the people of this community led to the beginning of The New Mt. Vernon Food bank. The church sponsored Food bank distributed food every Tuesday to needy families free of charge

For 1997, 1998 and 2006  New Mt. Vernon hosted Project Healthy Living that provided health-screening tests some free and some for a nominal cost to all that attended.

In November of 2005 Pastor Webb was retired from the day to day duties of the pastorate.  On October 26, 2008 the Lord called our beloved, Pastor J.L. Webb, from labor to reward.

On February 21, 2010 the membership, after prayerful deliberation, called Dr. James E. Flakes to serve as Pastor of The New Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church.  We embrace the future with great expectations knowing that God will do great things through this congregation under Dr. Flakes leadership.

We thank the Divine Providence of God for a rich and glorious history.  We look to the future knowing that His administration guides us to greater works, and we remain prayerful that God will continue to strengthen us to do His will, equip us to meet the challenges that exist in an unsaved world, endow us with power to continue to witness of His saving power and faith to look for His soon return.