For
100 years, the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has
served as a pillar of refuge and a source of strength for it’s
members and the South Atlanta Community. It’s history reflects
the visions, the missions, and the spirit of those who have labored
in the Master’s vineyard since its inception.
It is through the efforts of the late Reverend Ezekiel Kineard that
Mt. Pleasant had her humble beginning. In 1908, Rev, Kineard called
together a band of Christian believers and shared with them his
dreams and aspirations for the community. Following many prayerful
discussions emerged the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, becoming a
spirit-filled church with the human touch, reaching out to the needs
of the community.
For the next four years, the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church’s
membership grew rapidly, but most importantly, it became a symbol
of Christian hope and love. In 1912, Rev. Ezekeil Kineard (pastored
four years) was called home from his earthly duties, however, his
conscientious mission to make his community a better place had already
made an indelible stamp in the hearts and minds of posterity.
Over the next few decades, Mt. Pleasant was blessed to have anointed
men of God dedicated to spreading the Good News and winning souls.
The Reverends Rowland, Davis, Trier, B.J. Johnson, Sr., Jackson,
R.B. Freeman, Dan Smith, and R.B. Thompson , pastored for a total
of 17 years. R.H. Milner, pastored 1929-1942, Albert M. Lampkin,
pastored 1942-1948, and Benjiman W. Bickers, pastored 1948-1957,
all continued to blaze the trail which had been laid.
On March
6, 1958, Reverend Otis Levan Blackshear accepted the pastoralship
of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church
has continued to be that beam of light which manifests God’s
goodness to all mankind. Rev. Blackshear has moved the church in
the direction of addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and
social needs of the community.
Numerous programs have been designed to serve as support systems
to the members as well as to the community. Meals are carried to
Senior Citizens, food baskets and clothes are distributed to needy
families. An additional emergency fund is set aside to further aid
the needy. A Scholarship Fund has also been established to assist
high school graduates in furthering their education.
Property purchases, building expansions and renovations have increased
the church’s assets to more than a million dollars. By the
Grace of our Lord and Saviour and the establishment of a sound financial
system based on Tithes and Offerings, all of these accomplishments
were made possible.
Realizing the importance of the Church’s role in the training
of our members, the Christian Education Department has been reorganized
to better train our members. A Children, Family Life, Women, Men,
and Youth Ministry have been developed to better carry out the mission
of the church.
With Christ as our resource, Mt. Pleasant’s mission is to
continue on with the urgent business of proclaiming the Gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
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