Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church History
I. Foundation & Beginnings (1870 – 1914)
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1870 by Brother Fred Goins with forty members and was organized under the leadership of Rev. Robert Sanders. Among the first officers were Bro. A. L. Singleton, Charles Robinson, Jack Gillespie, Sis. Armanda Alcone, and Jane Robinson. The church’s first pastor was Rev. Fayette Robinson, who faithfully guided the early congregation as it took root in the Edwards community.
In 1874, a church building was constructed under the leadership of Rev. H. C. Lyons at a cost of $600, a remarkable accomplishment that reflected the dedication and faith of the founding members.
There are no surviving records between those early years and 1914, when Pastor J. P. Fananda Moore led the congregation in laying a new cornerstone and revitalizing the ministry. During his leadership, new members were added to the fellowship, including Bro. Alex Singleton, Sis. Lula Young Clinton, and Anderson and Sylvia West.
These formative decades laid a solid foundation of faith and perseverance upon which future generations of Mt. Moriah members would continue to build.
II. Growth & Establishment (1914 – 1960)
In 1914, Rev. S. S. Butler became pastor, ushering in a new era of organization and growth. He served faithfully until 1921, when Rev. R. L. Varnado was elected and worked diligently for the upkeep of the church. Rev. D. L. Clifton succeeded him in 1924 and led the church through a season of spiritual growth and membership increase.
Over the next several decades, Mt. Moriah continued to be blessed by dedicated leadership through Rev. Author Simmons (1929-1931), Rev. W. M. Davis (1931-1938), Rev. C. D. Brown (1941-1945), and Rev. E. W. Cornelius (1945-1960), each of whom left their mark through ministry, renovation, and revival. Under Rev. Cornelius, the church was remodeled and a cornerstone was laid in 1958. Serving alongside him were faithful deacons such as Henry West, Sylvester Jamison, Howard Gordon, Andrew Allen, Judge Price Sr., Alex Singleton, and James Clinton, who strengthened the church’s ministry and supported its continued growth.
III. Strength & Renewal (1960 – 2020)
In 1960, Rev. W. R. Griffin became pastor and led the church into another era of expansion. Membership increased, and new additions were made to the sanctuary.
A turning point came on May 29, 1970, when Pastor Elzie O’Neal was elected. His remarkable fifty-year tenure became a defining chapter in Mt. Moriah’s history. Pastor O’Neal’s vision and faithfulness led to the rebuilding of the church and the laying of another cornerstone. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually, numerically, and structurally.
During this time, Mt. Moriah also benefited from the assistance of Rev. Wyatt Lewis, who served as Assistant Pastor from May 1992 to December 1992.
Under Pastor O’Neal, Mt. Moriah experienced remarkable progress, adding modern amenities such as central air and heat, new pews, carpeting, and running water, as well as forming key committees for finances, programs, food, and beautification. In 2006, the church underwent extensive renovations, followed by new pulpit furniture, a communion table, and the addition of a church steeple in 2009. New leaders such as Minister Charles Grover and Deacon Melvin Hodge were ordained during this season of growth.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, church services were temporarily paused. That same year, Mt. Moriah mourned the passing of Pastor O’Neal, a beloved shepherd whose fifty years of service left a lasting impact. Though the pandemic brought sorrow and uncertainty, God’s faithfulness endured. In June 2021, Mt. Moriah reopened its doors, continuing its mission of worship, fellowship, and service.
IV. Transformation and a New Season (2021 – Present)
Following Pastor O’Neal’s passing, Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley, Sr. first agreed to serve temporarily, but God had already written a greater plan. On July 15, 2023, Pastor Wesley was elected as the next shepherd of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, new members have joined, facility cleanup and improvements have been prioritized, and a renewed sense of identity has taken root through the creation of a new church logo and branding, combined with a digital presence to expand the church’s reach. Pastor Wesley has also organized church conferences and leadership training to help support the spiritual growth of the community and to equip the church to better do His will.
Under Pastor Wesley’s guidance, Mt. Moriah stands as a vibrant community of believers guided by the Word and driven by the community. The church continues to nurture spiritual growth, foster fellowship, and extend love beyond its walls. As we look to the future, we remain grateful for the foundation laid by those before us, the faith that sustains us today, and the promise of all that God will yet do through Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
Current Leadership Team:
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley, Sr.
Deacons: Michael Bishop, Ricky Barnes, Wayne Gordon Sr., and Melvin Hardge Jr.
Mothers: Virginia Foster, Nancy Collins, and Gladys Anderson
Secretary: Sis. Margie Williams
Treasurer: Sis. Cassandra Bishop & Bro. Michael Bishop
Musician: Sis. Stephanie Dozier
Sunday School Superintendent: Bro. Ricky Barnes
Historic Leadership:
Former Deacons
Myles Wallace • Alex Singleton • Henry West • Johnny Campbell • Fred Wells • Wardell Gordon • Sam Gordon • Eff McFarland • Howard Gordon • John Gordon • James Clinton • Sylvester Jamison • Judge Price Sr. • P. C. Price • Henry Smith • Johnnie Lee Williams • John Foster Sr. • Andrew Allen
Former Mothers
Mary Ann Wells • Rosie North • Ruth Anna Morgan • Lula Clinton • Ada Allen • Rose Berley • Fannie Allen • Harriet Jamison • Flora Allen • Mary Ella Gordon • Florence Hunter • Sylvia Bennett • Alma Powell
Former Secretaries
Ike Broom • Ed Richardson • Sharkey Lyles • Sylvester Jamison • Gloristene Stamps • Sis. Eddie Mae Barnes (Assistant)
Former Treasurers
Eddie Wells • Alex Singleton • Henry West • Frank Savannah • Judge Price Sr. • Louise Price
Former Musicians
Juanita Moffett • Freddy Moffett • Edna Hutton • Delores Cross • Woodruff • Dorothy Gilmer • Margaret Walker • Archie McDaniel • Jessica Johnson • Laurine Coleman • Elbert Owens • Belinda Bell • Braylon Robinson
Former Sunday School Superintendents
James Allen • James Clinton • Bob Broome • Henry West • Sylvester Jamison • Andrew Allen Jr. • Michael Bishop • Stanley Price
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church 