History of the Greater Mount Vernon  Missionary Baptist Church

The foundation of Greater Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church began humbly in 1961 in the home of the late Rev. Earnest Carter. It was there that Bible classes and prayer meetings were first held, and Rev. Carter received a vision to formally organize a church, naming it Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The early congregation included three deacons, a choir director, and one candidate for baptism, setting the stage for what would become a thriving community of worship.

After Rev. Carter moved to another city, the late Rev. Johnny Jones was called to lead the congregation, with Rev. Samuel C. Brown serving as his assistant pastor. Upon Rev. Jones’ passing in 1967, Rev. Brown took over as pastor. Known for his kind and humble spirit, Rev. Brown embraced Romans 1:14 as his motto: “I am a debtor both to the wise and to the unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you.”

Under Rev. Brown’s leadership, the church continued to grow. By 1967, Mount Vernon Baptist Church had 12 deacons and deaconesses. Sis. Ruby Cox directed the choir, with the late Bro. Leon Pines as the musician. God’s blessings were evident as the congregation grew, and on March 17, 1985, the church dedicated its new building as Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. A few months later, on August 11, the church’s cornerstone was laid. Around 1999, the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and a dedicated children’s church were expanded to accommodate the growing membership.

In recognition of continued blessings, on May 22, 2005, the church was rededicated as the Greater Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. By then, 21 deacons and deaconesses served, including Paul Bell, Robert Baham, Terry Brown, the late Henry Davis, Clarence Gaten, Larry Francis, the late Howard Burnett, Jeff Moore, Lee Vern Showers, Alex Showers, Earl Slocum, the late Valentine Washington, Isaac Williams, James Bradley, Jeremy Showers, Jaye Kelly, the late James Jones, Ray Tillis, Derrick Wilson, and Selven Cox. The choir flourished under Bro. Clifford Guy Walker as Music Director, Elder Michael Jackson as Minister of Music, Bro. Robert Cox as Percussionist, with Sis. Ruby Cox and Sis. Dorothy Burnett leading as choir president and vice president.

Today, Greater Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church continues to thrive under the guidance of Dr. Samuel C. Brown. The church remains grateful for God’s faithfulness, looking back on its rich history and forward to all that God has in store.