In the early part of 1898, Mrs. Tabytha Watson and her two children moved from Gainsville, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They did not find a Baptist Church in the town or state, so they worshipped with the African Methodist Episcopal Church for about five months.

In September, being inspired by her heavenly Father, Mrs. Watson started conducting Sunday School and prayer meetings in her home at 4th and Copper Avenue, then from these meetings a Baptist Church was organized and named Mount Olive Baptist Church. Rev. Gladden came from Colorado Springs, Colorado and joined Ms. Watson and those original members. They raised $135 to purchase a lot at 510 Lead Avenue. A white frame hall was placed on the back of the lot where church services were held. Rev. J.B. Bell from Phoenix, Arizona was called to pastor the church in 1900. Baptismal services were performed in the Rio Grande River until a pool was built in the hall. The church faithfully prayed, worshipped and studied. Eventually, the church had enough money to start building a new brick building. In 1909, the church building was finished in the front of that lot. The hall in back of 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 Lott was choir director with his wife as organist – an old pump organ had been donated. Brother D.A. Austin, John Collins, F.D. Faucett and A.J. Clayton were Deacons. Brothers Vance Green, F.D. Faucett and E.L. Carson were Trustees.

In 1934, the lot at 508 Lead Avenue was purchased. A parsonage was built for a pastor to live in. The white frame hall at the back end of the church was sold. Later, a house at 512 Lead Avenue was purchased, remodeled, and converted into Sunday School rooms, rest rooms, a large dining room, and kitchen.

Every Fourth of July, the church held a picnic for the children and adults at the Rio Grande Park, Witcomb Springs area or Bear Canyon area (located in the Sandia Mountains). In those early days, the transportation was by stagecoach. Everyone especially enjoyed riding the Jumbo Stagecoach line. The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mount Olive Baptist Church enjoyed many social events together.

Several Pastors were called to lead Mount Olive until in 1968, Rev. W.C. Trotter was called as Mount Olive’s Pastor. In 1970, the properties at 508, 510, and 512 Lead was sold. The property at 2401 University Boulevard was purchased and ground breaking ceremonies took place the same year. The first building, the Ralph Bunche Cultural Center, was completed; and on February 17, 1977 the present sanctuary was dedicated. Mount Olive can be thankful to God for Rev. and Sister Trotter’s leadership, dedication and vision in these accomplishments. The Trotters retired in 1980.

In 1981, Rev. Del Phillips was called and served Mount Olive as pastor until 1985. Rev. Charles Becknell was pastor from 1988 until 1990. Rev. Lawrence W. George, from Detroit, Michigan, was pastor from 1992 until 1995. Rev. John Riley served faithfully as interim pastor from 1995 to 1997. Rev. Stephen Billingslea became Pastor in August of 1997 and served until December 2002. We recently celebrated our 110th Anniversary with Rev. Michael Sumbry serving as pastor.

In September of 2009, Mount Olive will celebrate its 111th anniversary. We must continue to “Trust God for a glorious future as we move forward in prayer.”