Church

Founding: 1917

Founders: Reverend J.W. Robinson and Mary Elizabeth Robinson (nee Williams)

Original Location: The corner of Fort Wayne Avenue and North D Street.

Current Location: 1108 North H Street.

History: Reverend J.W. Robinson and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Robinson, originally founded the Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1917 at the corner of Fort Wayne Avenue and North D Street. The church moved to various locations in the early years, including to the Robinsons’ home. For some time, services were even held in a tent-like structure until, in 1927, enough money had been raised to begin building a new structure.

The church was run by many faithful leaders, who were known not only for their preaching abilities but also for their ability to rally the community behind the efforts to continue to build and furnish the church. Such leaders included Reverend William Wooten, Reverend A. W. Faulkner, Reverend L.T. Williams, Reverend Rogers, Reverend R.H. Girten, Reverend J.M. Allen, Reverend J.E. Flakes, Deacon John McCoy, Reverend J.B Clairbone, Reverend Eddings, and Reverend Earnest Randle.

The church’s present site on North H Street was purchased in 1981 under the leadership of Reverend Earnest Randle. In 1982, local contractor Mr. Fred Moiser was hired to build the church, and construction began in April 1983 and was finished by December of that same year.