Sara Hickman wrote:
"​Yesterday’s presentation of an historical marker for 120 year old Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church here in Smithville, Tx! So much joy! I didnt get to attend the luncheon afterwards , but I hear it was tasty and lots if community celebrating together!
Here’s the church’s history:
For more than 120 years, the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church has served as a cornerstone in the community of Smithville, Texas. This landmark church was founded on June 22, 1900 when the trustees of the Missionary Baptist Church purchased the property from E. H. Eagleston. The church, located at the corner of S.W. 4th and Walker streets got its name from Deacon Jordan White.
Shortly afterward, Pastor L. W. Mackey oversaw the building of a church house. The total cost of construction to build the first church was $75.
In 1904, the church members held fundraisers, making a variety of homemade pies, fried chicken and other dishes to raise funds for further construction, which took 10 years.
​Today, a bell tower, recently put back into use, dominates the classic white, wood-framed church. When the bell is rung, the neighborhood and the congregation enter the sanctuary, where they are bathed in a radiant light from the large stained-glass windows.
In 1914, the new church cost was $1,800, paid to C. H. Turney, lumberman and builder, in 24 notes at $475 per year with interest at 10 percent.
The builders used handcrafted brick columns, which were stacked and shaved at an angle and then framed with 4×6-inch lumber. By using this method, they created a floor with a slope that gives everyone in the congregation a clear view of the pulpit – a classic theater-style seating arrangement.
By Aug. 2, 1920, all notes/interest had been paid in full.
Major renovations to the sanctuary were also made during the 1950's, adding a baptistery, pulpit furniture, communion table, central heating, air conditioning and theater seating.
A church annex, including a pastor’s study, two restrooms, kitchen and dining area, were added on June 2, 1957. Major renovations to the sanctuary as well as adding a baptistery, pulpit furniture, communion table, central heating, air conditioning and theater seating.
Rev. W. H. Carrington — who served from 1980 to 1982 — under his leadership the church annex was air conditioned, and the stained window restored, kitchen and restroom were remodeled. After he resigned, Rev. L.K. Williams was called to serve from 1982 to 1996, under his leadership the membership grew tremendously, a handicap ramp was added, church was painted, roof and ceiling were repaired.
After 14 years of service he resigned.
The church recognized Sis. Willie Charles Oliver, who served as church Secretary for many many years, while the church was led by Rev. Henry L. Taylor from 1997 to 1999.
The Rev. Herbert L. Rogers served as interim Pastor until Rev. Barry Williams, who served from 2000 to 2010 after he left Rev. Exie Henry served as interim Pastor.
Mount Pilgrim’s role in the community can be seen in the Smithville Community Gardens program, which has grown to become a role model for a successful community project and started at this church.
The late municipal judge Clarence Culberson and Ronald Jones talked about how they could not only benefit the church, but everyone in the community. The Deacons came up with this idea of putting up a garden. People could come and pick vegetables for free. We are very excited about what the community has done here. Since the seed was first planted, eight additional gardens have been planted.
In July 2011 Pastor Ronnie L. Holt Jr. became Pastor of the church. Deacon Kirk Martin painted the baptismal pool and designed a youth center for future growth. The deacon purchased the lot behind the church in 2016 to prepare for the future. Pastor Ronnie Holt resigned in September 2017, and they made Deacon McGregor a honorary deacon for his service over 40 years to this church.
Rev. Exie Henry was Interim Pastor from October 2016 to March 2017. Though her guidance, the church, Councilmen Bill Gordon and the RVIC'S organization restored the old wood around the fellowship hall and replaced windows, and painted the outside annex. The Deacons installed new air conditioners in the fellowship hall, and a vanity in the woman's restroom.
​Through prayer and fasting the church was blessed with Pastor William Brown and Sis. Angel Brown on April 1, 2017.
He has brought the church to a higher level of praise and worship.
​Under his leadership and the help of Councilmen Bill Gordon, our church was blessed with new flooring in the foyer, pastor study, and the fellowship hall. This work was done through the youth volunteers of Highland Park United Methodist Church youth Department. The Deacons had carpet installed in the sanctuary that gave it a inviting look.
Under Leadership of Pastor Clark Jackson, the focus is on leadership, outreach ministry and spiritually leading the people by the word of God. We are connecting the community to Christ through the word of God. On April 19, 2025 our church was honored with a historical marker."