The History of Mount Olivet Southern Baptist Church

Mount Olivet Southern Baptist church originated within the mission hearts of the congregation of Difficult Creek Church (now Quaker Baptist church) during the year of 1831.  On May 22, 1832, William Leftwich, Jr. and his wife Sarah deeded the tract of land on the north side of the road between Bunker Hill and Goggins Mill on Goose Creek, to be used for establishing a church.  This church was to be accessible to Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, and Presbyterian:  no denomination to use it for more than seven days in succession.

             After the constitution of the church in 1832, it was first known as Bunker Hill Baptist Church and had 28 members.  In 1846, the name was changed to Mount Olivet Union Church. 

             In July, 1948, the old Mount Olivet School property, across from the Mount Olivet Union church, was purchased by the Baptists.  The Baptists and the Methodists shared the original building until October 7, 1951 when the new Baptist church building was dedicated with about 1,000 people in attendance.

At the time of the dedication the church was debt free.  In March, 1955, it was decided to erect a parsonage on the lot across from the church.  This was completed and dedicated in 1955.  As the congregation grew and Sunday School classes became larger, more space was needed.  As a result, a building program was initiated and a new educational wing was added and dedicated on June 7, 1981.

             In 1983 it was decided that the name of the church be changed to Mount Olivet Southern Baptist church to reflect its association with the Southern Baptist Convention and to distinguish it from the Mount Olivet Missionary church.

             The church has continued to make improvements to its facilities.  Since 1996, the nursery has been expanded, a fenced in playground for the children and toddlers (dedicated in memory of Katlin Stevens) was built, a new paved parking lot was added and dedicated (1998), a church van was purchased and dedicated (1999).  William Thomas (Tommy) Bolling was licensed to preach the gospel in 1999, and two families established trust funds.  One trust fund is for a scholarship for ministerial students and the other to be used for general church funds.  Five young men are known to have entered the ministry from our church—William W. Fuqua, John L. Lawless, Samuel H. Dooley, John B. Thurman, and Rucker T. Burnette.

             Mount Olivet Southern Baptist church has a rich heritage that has prospered under the leadership, guidance, and direction of all its members who have gone on before us and its entire present congregation.  The future of our church depends on each and every member as we all strive to do the work of the Lord according to His direction and plan.