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The Oldest Black Baptist Church in New Mexico - Celebrating 110 years in September 2008

History...what's on the web about our church!
In the early part of 1898, Mrs. Tabytha Watson and her two children moved from Gainesville, TX. to Albuquerque, NM. They did not find a Baptist Church in the town or state, so they worshipped with the AME Church for about five months.

In the months of September, being inspired by her heavenly Father, Mrs. Watson started conducting Sunday school and prayer meetings in her home at 4th and Cooper Ave. From these meetings a Baptist Church was organized and named Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Rev. Gladden came from Colorado Springs, CO, and joined Ms. Watson and members. They raised $135 to purchase a lot of land at 510 Lead Avenue. A white frame hall was placed on the back of the lot where Church was to be held. Rev. J. B. Bell from Phoenix, AZ, was called to pastor the church in 1900. Baptismal services were performed in the Rio Grande until a pool was built in the hall.  Some years later, the Church had enough money to start building a new brick Church. The Church was built in front of the lot and was completed in 1909. The hall behind the Church was used as an annex.

The Church was incorporated with the following persons on the charter: Alexander E. Reynolds, Kent Penman, Mamie Green, Daniel Austin and John Collins. The original congregation included the Bramlett, Collins, Watson, Watts, Richard and Lott families. Brother Penman was Sunday School Superintendent, Brother Loff was Choir Director with his wife as organist – an old pump organ had been donated. Brother D. A. Austin, John Collins, FD Faucett and A.J. Clayton were deacons. Brothers Vance Green, F. D. Faucett and EL Carson were trustees.

In 1934, the lot at 508 Lead Ave. was bought and a parsonage was built. The white frame hall at the back end of the Church was sold. Later an old house at 512 Lead Ave. was purchased and was remodeled, converting it into Sunday school rooms, rest rooms, a large dining room and kitchen.

A picnic was held every 4^th of July for the children and adults at either the Rio Grande Park, Witcomb Springs or Bear Canyon, located in the Sandia Mountains. Also, in the early days, the transportation was by stagecoach. Everybody enjoyed riding the particular coaches call Jumbo. The AME Church and Mt. Olive Baptist Church enjoyed many social events together.

Rev. W. C. Trotter was called in 1968. In 1970, the properties at 508, 510, and 512 Lead were sold and the property at 2401 University Blvd. was purchased. Ground breaking was celebrated that same year, and the first building was completed, namely the Ralph Bunche Cultural Center. On February 17, 1977, the new Church was dedicated. We are thankful to God for our beloved pastor and wife. Rev. Trotter retired in 1980.

 In 1981, Rev. Del Phillips was called and served with us until 1985. Rev. Charles Becknell was called in 1988 and served with us until 1990. In May of 1992, Rev. Lawrence W. George was called from Detroit, MI, and served until 1995.  We were then blessed to have Rev. John Riley as our interim Pastor until 1997.  Rev. Stephen Billingslea was called as Pastor in August of 1997, and served until December 2002.

We ask for your prayers as we continue to grow in Christ with Rev. Michael R. Sumbry as Pastor of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church who began November 1st, 2004.

In September of 2008, Mount Olive will celebrate its 110th anniversary.  We must continue to “Trust God for a glorious future as we move forward in prayer.”

Our theme for 2008 comes from Matthew 28: 18-20, "The Great Commission", Obeying Christ, going, teaching, and growing!

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