HISTORY OF THE MOUNT ARARAT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1894 – 2001
The Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1894. It was located at the old homestead of the late Bro. Jessie and Sis. Corene Gipson. Later the church was moved across the street. Under the leadership of Rev. Crockett, the church was moved near the present location. The church was once destroyed by a storm and after rebuilding, it was destroyed by fire. During the reconstruction period, services were held at the First United Methodist Church.Serving ministers were: Rev. Isaac Grove; Rev. Martin Mason, Rev. Lindsey, Rev. Blunt, Rev. Weaver, Rev. Jake McQueen, Rev. J. S. Hicks, Rev. J. S. Banks, and Rev. William King. During the tenure of Rev. Banks and Rev. King the church was renovated.
Serving deacons were: Yancey Perry, Leslie Hollinger, Walter Chapman, Columbus Bradley, Jessie Davis, Sr., Louis White, Sr., Peter Alston, Sr., Lee Jackson, Rubin Feagins, Joe Dates, Sr., James Alexander, Sr., B. T. Green, Sr. and Alfred Patterson who are all deceased.
In the year of 1958, Rev B. J. Parker, Sr., was called to leadership. During his tenure (1958-1994) the following ministers were ordained; and are currently serving as pastor: Rev. A. L. Wright, 1963 (deceased); Rev. L. E. Nelson, 1973 (Pastor, Freewater Baptist Church); Rev. Harrison McCall, 1977 (deceased); Rev. William Parrish, Sr., 1984.
Members who also became ministers were Rev. Stutemire, Rev. Raymond Webster, Rev. James Smith, and Rev. James Parrish, Jr.
Deacons ordained were: Sam Mitchell, Lewis Dates, Joe Dates, Sr., Grady Jones who are now deceased; James Parrish, Sr., Samuel Nelson, Solomon Nelson, Willie Edwards, George Bowie, Jasper Johnson, J. C. Sullivan, Lee Rivers, Aaron James and James McCants. Dea. Henry Payne, Sr. was an appointed deacon who later moved his member ship (now deceased).The following auxiliaries were organized: Sunbeam, Red Circle, Crusaders, YWA (Young Women’s Auxiliary), Gospel Chorus, Pastor’s Aid (later deleted by the Pastor), NBC (Nurture for Baptist Churches formerly the Baptist Training Union), Usher Boards 2, 3, and 4, Male Chorus 1 and 2 and the Inspirational Chorus.
In June 1964 ground breaking ceremonies were held; and, on March 28, 1965 the new church was dedicated. In 1977 the east wing was erected to house the Junior Department Sunday School. Today’s enrollment in Sunday School is 345. There are five superintendents: Dea. J. C. Sullivan, Bro. Robert Parker, Sr., Bro. Rayford Parker, Sr., Dea. Cedric Jackson and Dea. Aaron James, Sr. On the 98th church anniversary (November 1992) the fellowship hall was dedicated.Members who served as musicians were: Sis. Maggie Pope, Sis. Dorothy Webster, Sis. Jewel Parker, Sis. Valiant Quinnie Dickinson, Sis Pinkie Hudson, Sis Koyia Figures, Bro. Charlie Staten, Sis Lenora Ellis (deceased May 28, 1998), Sis. Ashia Quinnie. Current member musicians are musicians are Sis. Clarissa Bass Thompson, Sis. Mary Stephanie Parker, Bro. DarVan Hudson, Sis Delores B. Parker, Sis. Jada Jackson and Sis. Brenda Sullivan Jackson, minister of music since June 25, 1996.
