HISTORY OF MOUNT VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH

The Mount Vernon Baptist Church had its origin 133 years ago. In 1892 a group of Christian pioneers, obedient to the Holy Spirit, sought to grow in Word and grow spiritually, established a Sunday school. Reverend Calvin Anderson was founder and with Reverend Jake Lewis co-founder. This small group met in the home of Reverend Calvin Anderson, and Mrs. Easter Cosby for Sunday school, prayer meetings and Bible Study. Out of this Sunday school, the Mount Vernon Baptist church evolved.  Reverend Calvin Anderson served as pastor from 1892 to 1908. The first worship service was held in a small two-room community schoolhouse, under his leadership the church grew. In 1916, Reverend Andrew Jackson from Springfield Baptist Church was called as pastor. Under his pastorate and with the blessings of God upon us the church continued to grow spiritually.

Reverend W. H. Smith was called as pastor in 1918. Under his leadership the church continued to grow.  Reverend Sylvania Jones was called as pastor in 1918. Under his pastorate the first edifice was erected for worship services. The church was built on one acre of land which was given to Reverend Calvin Anderson and Reverend Moses Johnson, trustees of Mount Vernon, by J. T. Francis and wife Lucy and W.R. Francis and wife Sallie in the year of 1904. Francistown Road was named after the Francis Family. Also a great help in getting Mount Vernon established were Mr. & Mrs. Sam Jackson, Jim Henry Johnson,
Sam Lacey, Brief Houston and Fannie Brooks, all of the Springfield Baptist Church. Reverend C. D. Branch was called as pastor in 1937. During Reverend Branch stay at the church, he did his best to get the Word of God to the people. Through his powerful preaching and singing, many souls were saved, and the church continued to grow.  Reverend A. A. Franklin was called as pastor in 1942. Under his leadership the first young people choir was organized by Mrs. Ruth Hayes, she also was the pianist. The church continued to grow, and with more participation of the youth of the church.

Reverend Harry Brown was called as pastor in 1949. His stay as pastor was short.  Reverend E.E. Moore was called as pastor in 1950. Under his leadership the word was preached, souls were saved and God’s blessing was upon us, for the church continued tis growth. Reverend J. R. Gatling was called as pastor in 1962. Under his leadership the church continued its
upward growth. In September 1962, under Reverend Gatling’s leadership, Mount Vernon started having worship service every Sunday. Before that time worship service was held every 1 st and 3 rd Sunday. The building was renovated, a new organ and piano was purchased and a building fund was started. He was very active in all areas of the church and community, and was a concerned minister. Reverend Gatling taught the children to love God and follow His Word. The children were encouraged to take a more active part in worship services and they did. The children of his pastorate felt that Reverend Gatling was a pastor and a friend. Many of those children are now dedicated adult members. Under his pastorate the Board of Christian Education was organized in 1972, Mrs. Blanche Andrews president. 

In 1962 Deacon James Hayes became moderator for Mount Vernon; he served in this capacity faithfully for 31 years. Mount Vernon was blessed to have Deacon Hayes to be elected Moderator of the Tuckahoe Baptist Association of Virginia. He was moderator September 1985 to September 1989. In 1965 a teenage club was organized by Mrs. Grace Thomas and Mrs. Vivian Jackson was president of this teenage group. These teenagers worked diligently to raise funds to aid the elderly and needy of the community. They also made contribution to the church to charter buses each summer to take the youth to the beach. Also under the leadership of Reverend Gatling the Willing Workers Club was reorganized with faithful workers: Matilda Cousins, Grace Thomas, Melvina Johnson, Rosa Johnson, Frank Johnson, Elvin Cosby Jr., Delia Cosby and Lottie Cosby. On January 24, 1965, Reverend Linwood C. Corbit preached his preliminary sermon. On February 21, 1965 Reverend Corbit was licensed.

On March 18, 1973, Reverend Arthur Gatling preached and was licensed. Under Reverend Gatling the first nominating Committee was organized. The committee members were Deacon Franklin Thomas, Sister Jeanette Woodson and Deacon Elvin R. Cosby Jr. Reverend Gatling instituted early services, prayer leaders for each month, he started each organization of the church sponsoring programs. A Building Committee was started and plans were made to build a new edifice. In 1976 seeing the need for more space and classrooms Deacon Franklin Thomas contacted the heirs of the late Leanna Thomas. These heirs were transported to the Coal pit Community Center where they signed the deed of transfer for five acres of land. The signatures were notarized by Mr. Charlie McCarthy of Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home free of cost. Thus through the grace of God and the diligent effort of Deacon James Hayes, Sister Alma Hayes, Deacon Franklin Thomas and the generosity of many, the property on which the present edifice is built
was obtained.

Reverend David Graves was called as pastor in 1977. Under leadership of Reverend Graves a bible study was organized February 21, 1977. Through this bible study the church grew more in the knowledge of God. Souls were saved and the membership increased. A Youth Group was organized in May 1977, the church purchased a bus. March of 1978 a new passenger van that was donated to the Francistown Community Civic Association by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church was turned over to Mount Vernon. Deacon Junius Johnson received the title to the van. On April 16, 1977 the plan for a new edifice started under Reverend Gatling materialized for on this date the ground breaking services was held. On Easter Sunday March 26, 1978 the congregation marched from the old site to our present site. On April 1, 1979 the dedication service for the dome shaped church was held. We know the church is not a building, but a building is needed for church functioning. To God we give the glory.

Over the past 134 years during the absence of pastors from the pulpit, the chairman of the Deacon Board has acted as leader and moderator. They were chairman: Sam Jackson, Price Hython, William Jones, Elvin Cosby Sr. and James Hayes, they kept the congregation together with various ministers supplying the pulpit

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On July 6, 1980 Reverend Willie R. Harvey was called at pastor. On Sunday March 22, 1981 Reverend Harvey as installed as pastor. Under his pastorate the church continued to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. We have had experiences, such as a new member’s class, a radio ministry and Tuesday morning Bible study. In 1982 the male chorus was organized. In January 1985 a pledge program was started by Mrs. Blanche Andrews, also the church copier machine and IBM typewriter was paid off and a van was donated to the church from Pastor Harvey. In 1986 the Junior Angelic Choir was organized. In
January 1987 Reverend Harold Henry became associate minister. In 1987 William Myers was called to the ministry. On March 29, 1987 John E. Thomas was ordained to the office of Deacon. On July 20, 1987 a Mount Vernon road sign was erected by Deacon Franklin Thomas. In January 1988 the church mortgage was paid in full. In June 1988 a church tool house was erected by Deacon Franklin Thomas. In 1988 by the help of God we were able to purchase a new church van. On October 21, 1988 a Mortgage burning Service as held. In 1990 beautification and renovation of the sanctuary was completed by Deacon Franklin Thomas, Mr. Fredrick Johnson, Deacon James Hayes, Mr. Howard Jackson and Mr. Eugene Tyler. On February 4, 1990 Reverend William Myers preached his initial sermon and was licensed and ordained.

On April 22, 1990 marked a significant event in the history of Mount Vernon an Appreciation service was held for Deaconess Grace Thomas and the first celebration of a family’s generation service to God. This was the first program of this nature to be presented at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. There were members of each generation present, along with many friends and members. Deaconess Thomas passed on two months later, but in accordance with her wishes all proceeds on this program was donated to the building fund. A stained glass window will be placed in the new edifice in memory of Deaconess Thomas; however the greatest legacy from Sister Thomas is the many family members who continue to worship God in the church she loved.

In July 1990 a picnic area was cleared off by Deacon Franklin Thomas and son Ralph Thomas. On January 21, 1991 four (4) beautiful ceiling fan lights were donated by Deaconess Bessie Johnson. On February 2, 1991 an Onward March program was started for the building fund. On March 10, 1991 Mr. Clifford Mosby donated two (2) beautiful flags to the church. On March 28, 1991 a fence was installed around the church cemetery at the old site. On July 22, 1991 a centennial committee was organized. On September 8, 1991 a Senior Citizen program was held at Mount Vernon, Sister Sarah Jasper was the honoree. It was a joyful occasion. On January 30, 1993, at the age of 104 Sister Jasper went home to be with the Lord. On November 19, 1991 outside lights were erected and a cross was put on top of the foyer of the dome. On December 26, 1991 Reverend Henry donated a cemetery sign in memory of his wife Deaconess Bernice Henry. On April 5, 1992 the building committee started a pledge program to help finance the cost of a new edifice. On March 9, 1992 six (6) picnic tables were placed in our church park. Deacon Thomas purchased two (2) and the church purchased four (4) On July 10, 1992 a grill was built by Deacon Franklin Thomas in the church park. In 1992 greenery and plants were placed in the church foyer of the dome by the Building Committee. On October 4, 1992 the Pastor’s Aid Society was organized and October 9, 1992 the Senior Citizen Group was organized. On April 20, 1997 Brother Vincent Lofton and Brother Eugene Tyler were ordained to the office of Deacon. 

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The Reverend James H. Pryor, Jr was called to lead this congregation in 1999. Under his leadership, two deacons were ordained and installed Brother Rod Boothes and Brother Ron Dabney, and one deaconess Sister Sharlene Lofton
was consecrated September 14, 2003. February 14, 15, 16, 2008 Music Ministry Workshop. March 2009 the dome was demolished. Worship Services were held in our fellowship hall. On December 9, 2009, was our Laying of the Cornerstone
ceremony. Our Dedication Service for our new Sanctuary was on Sunday January 24, 2010. It was a high time in the Lord. The Church was filled to capacity for our very first service. We thank God for the Reverend Proctor Beard and the Springfield Baptist Church who allowed God to use them in a powerful way. Emeritus Service for 3 faithful and dedicated members: Deaconess Alma Hayes, Deaconess Lottie Cosby and Reverend Harold Henry. On Sunday December 11, 2011, was the initial sermon and licensure of Brother Eugene C. Tyler. December 2012, we launched our website WWW.MTVBFRANCISTOWN.ORG. On Sunday March 25, 2017, was the initial sermon and licensure of Brother Herman Lewis. 2015 Dominion Power lights were installed in the parking lot. 2016 the kitchen was updated by Brother
Herman Lewis. 2017 installed a new flat screen tv in classroom two. 2019 the full church roof was shingled. 2020 ADT security system installed. Due to Covid 19 pandemic Sunday March 22, 2020, was our last in person inside worship service
until Sunday March 6, 2022. When the country was shut down with planning and prayer, we were able to continue Worship Service via You Tube. Then on site live in the parking lot and live streamed via Face book live, Bible Study via Zoom
and virtual giving via Givelyfy. These platforms in no way replace in person worship and fellowship but God did see us through this uncertain time. We praise God for those who stepped up and worked to make these virtual worship times
and virtual giving possible. October 2022 MVBC can now be followed on Instagram. January 2023 an AED (automated external defibrillator) was purchased. June 23, 2023, Ordination Service for Herman Lewis, Jr. October 2023 a new sanctuary camera, projector, viewing screen and Atem were installed. We also resumed use of our You Tube channel for viewing of worship service and Bible study. January 29, 2024, our current mortgage is paid off. April 2024 windows replaced in the church office, pastor study, fellowship hall and classrooms. April 2025 the Air handler and AC unit were replaced. January 2025, we resumed our Women’s Ministry. Sunday April 27, 2025, we celebrated our 133rd Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Service with Springfield Baptist Church and Pastor Antione Britt.

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Our Future

We at Mount Vernon are committed to the continued teaching of Gods' word, reaching lost souls and pressing towards the mark. To God be all the Glory and praise for our past, present, and future. We are determined that we will work until
Jesus comes!

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