Our History
The history of what became known as the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church began in 1956 as a Christian mission under the leadership of our founding pastor, the Reverend James L. Jenkins. The membership consisted of the pastor’s wife, his two sisters, and Mrs. Estelle Kimbers, and Services were held at 15320 Main Street in Harvey, Illinois.
As God blessed, the membership grew and three lots were purchased at our present location. We thank God for the Harvey Masonic Lodge and Hammond & Prowell Funeral Director for providing us rent-free use of their facilities from 1956 to 1960.
In 1960, upon notification that this temporary site would be demolished, God blessed in a mighty way. Led by Pastor Jenkins, we built our first Church building, and on the Lord’s birthday, we held services in our new home. In January 1968, we paid off our mortgage and began plans to expand our facility. On August 2, 1975, our plans became reality as we held our groundbreaking ceremony. On March 14, 1976 we moved into our new edifice, the second Church house built by this loyal congregation.
But we were not satisfied. Believing nothing is too hard for God, on June 24, 1984 we burned the mortgage and dedicated to the glory of God a church building of which its congregation and the City of Harvey would be honored.
On August 14, 1988, our founding pastor, the Reverend James L. Jenkins, retired after thirty-two years of faithful service to this loyal congregation.
The church underwent three long years without pastoral leadership, but we were blessed to have Rev. Johnny Younger, Rev. Terrell Smith, the late Rev. Floyd Piper and even retired Pastor James L. Jenkins to carry on services during this interim.
After much prayer, patience, and faith, on July 20, 1991, God sent Reverend Eugene Johnson to pastor this loyal flock.
Keeping with our agenda of trusting the Lord, the church has continued to prosper. Under Pastor Johnson’s leadership there has been a refocused emphasis on the teaching ministry, with Sunday School Teachers’ meeting, Sunday School Teachers’ Conference, Young Adult Single & Married Couples’ Ministry, Tuesday Evening Bible Class and Wednesday Morning Bible Class.
The year 2000 saw us establish the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund designed to assist our young people to pursuit their academic goals.
We have come this far by faith; to God is the glory. We have accomplished much, but not as much as we will accomplish in the future. Therefore, we have resolved to not become preoccupied with our past accomplishments, but to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
