Church History

1917 - 2005

On October 17, 1917, God assembled a group of believers together in the home of the late Mrs. Ida Stafford on 17th street and Avenue A. There were eight people present and the Rev. A Wilson presided over the organization. Mrs. Silas Johnson recommended the the name Mount Gilead Baptist Church be given to the fellowship. Little did they know that this body of believers would be the first negro Baptist congregation in the Lubbock area.

Only the future holds all the accomplishments that the Mt. Gilead family will embrace, and with God's blessings each member can seek to continue to make this ministry one that serves in the community.

With the membership growing, they realized a larger meeting

place was needed to have their services. They were granted to have their services in the old courthouse in Downtown Lubbock. Shortly after undertaking the risk, they realized worshipping in the courthouse could present problems. It was apparent to Blacks at this time that they were not wanted in Lubbock County since someone set the building on fire while they were conducting service. As the membership waited upon the Lord, He renewed their strength with Reverend J. G. Jackson, and during his pastorate, the congregation purchased two lots on Avenue A, between 16th and 17th Street. These were the first lots to be sold to Negroes in Lubbock County.

In the fall of 1918 many people left Lubbock, but the few that remained kept the church going until 1919, when the first big cotton harvest brought a large number of people to Lubbock County. The congregation then moved onto one of the lots they had purchased. In August of 1922, the congregation bought a new piano, and by the year 1924, the first choir was organized. in 1925 a stucco structure was erected on the lots, and they sold their old building to Carter's Chapel CME. Between 1926 and 1929, the first parsonage was purchased.

In 1929, under the pastorship of Reverend. M.S. Malone, the Mount Gilead Baptist Church entertained the West Texas Association. This was the first and largest meeting ever held in Lubbock County by Negroes. In 1932 the church was affiliated with the O.W.T (Original West Texas District) Association. In 1939, under the pastorship of Reverend Cook, more members were baptized than there had been in previous years, and the first kitchen and dining room were added to the church.

In June of 1950, the Reverend S. R. Roberts became pastor of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church, and under his leadership the membership doubled. With the cooperation of the pastor and members, the congregation purchased two lots where the present edifice stands: 2512 Fir Avenue. In 1955 this structure was built, and it consisted of a baptistery, cry room, choir room, pastor's study, kitchen-dining room area, and classrooms. In 1977, Pastor Roberts was named Pastor Emeritus. In 1980, Reverend Larry Polk was called to lead the church, and under his leadership the church constitution was revised and a unified treasury incorporated. Also the historical land marker was obtained and placed in front of the church.

In 1995, the Reverend Doctor J. Jerome Johnson Sr., became pastor of Mount Gilead Baptist Church; and under his leadership we have implemented several new ministries, purchased a new church van, expanded the music ministry to include the drums, and a praise and worship team. The Youth Ministry now has a Puppet Ministry and Praise Dancing. We have also done a number of repairs and renovations throughout the Sanctuary. We have seen continued growth, and we continue to press forward for we have learned to trust in God and depend upon His Word.