About MPBC
Welcome to Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, we are a community of believers who come together to worship and glorify God. Our church is dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus Christ and helping others discover the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Him.
View our HISTORY TIMELINE here.
View our HISTORY TIMELINE here.
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Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can come to learn and grow in their faith. We offer a variety of services and programs to meet the spiritual needs of our members, including Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship events.
We believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Our church is committed to serving our community and making a positive impact in the world. Join us as we seek to share the love of Christ with those around us!
We believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Our church is committed to serving our community and making a positive impact in the world. Join us as we seek to share the love of Christ with those around us!
Founded June 22, 1900
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For more than 120 years, the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church has served as a cornerstone in this 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. According to the church’s historical records, the work was done “under the hands of the deacons, Brother L. Weston, Brother William Hall and Brother J. R. Price.” |
The total cost of construction to build the first church was $75, according to the records. |
1904 Church Fundraiser
The church members held many fundraisers at that time, making a variety of homemade pies, fried chicken and other dishes to raise funds for the construction, which took 10 years. Church records tell the story of a new church under construction in 1904 under the Rev. P. R. McGriff and Secretary Nellie Noland.
Today, a bell tower, which was recently put back into use, dominates the classic white, wood-framed church. When the bell is rung through the neighborhood and the congregation enters the sanctuary; they are bathed in a radiant light from the large stained-glass windows.
Today, a bell tower, which was recently put back into use, dominates the classic white, wood-framed church. When the bell is rung through the neighborhood and the congregation enters the sanctuary; they are bathed in a radiant light from the large stained-glass windows.
1914 New Church Building
The new church building costs was $1,800 and was paid to C. H. Turney, lumberman and builder, in 24 notes at $475 per year with interest at 10 percent. |
After many years of faithful service, the first building had served its purpose; a new building was erected in 1914. 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.
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1920 Paid Off Building
By Aug. 2, 1920, all notes and interest had been paid in full, “and with satisfaction, with no lien or judgment against this property.” A quote from the church’s history said, “The members felt they must have been led by the guiding hand of God and realized that God does all things well.”
June 2, 1957 New Rooms & Kitchen Added
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 were also made at that time, adding a baptistery, pulpit furniture, communion table, central heating, air conditioning and theater seating. The work was done under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Elder and “an able deacon board, missionary sisters, the Sunday school and other auxiliaries of the church.
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1980-2010 Stain Windows Restored & Member Growth
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 was 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 was repaired.
After 14 years of service he resigned. The church recognize Sis. Willie Charles Oliver who served as church Secretary for many many years. The church calls Rev Henry L. Taylor, he served from 1997 to 1999, immediately after he left The Rev. Herbert L. Rogers served as interim Pastor until Rev. Barry Williams was called and served from 2000 to 2010 after he left Rev. Exie Henry served as interim Pastor.
After 14 years of service he resigned. The church recognize Sis. Willie Charles Oliver who served as church Secretary for many many years. The church calls Rev Henry L. Taylor, he served from 1997 to 1999, immediately after he left The Rev. Herbert L. Rogers served as interim Pastor until Rev. Barry Williams was called and served from 2000 to 2010 after he left Rev. Exie Henry served as interim Pastor.
Smithville Community Gardens Program
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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 it was started at this church. The late municipal judge Clarence Culberson, a long-time member of the church was replaced by Ronald Jones as the new chairman, they 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 and it would be free. If you have the need, come and pick what you need. The men took the idea to the congregation. The response was positive and the church gave the men $300 as seed money. Sis. Inez Green, a member of the congregation, donated a lot across from the church to build the garden. We are very excited about what the community has done here. We’ve brought people together, north and south, black and white. It’s really a gift from God. Since the seed was first planted, eight additional gardens have been planted, and a board of directors has been established.
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Since the seed was first planted, eight additional gardens have been planted, and a board of directors has been established. 
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2011-2016 Church Growth, Spiritually & Physically
In July 2011 Pastor Ronnie L. Holt Jr. was elected the Pastor of the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church congregation has grown tremendously, spiritually as well as physically. This growth is the result of sound biblical principles and expository preaching-teaching based upon connecting the community to Christ, through the word of God. 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.
Re-organize Board & First Honorary Deacon
Pastor Ronnie Holt resigned in September 2017, The Deacon then reorganized the board and voted Daniel Jones as chairman and Willie B. Williams co-chairman of the deacon board and they made Deacon McGregor a honorary deacon for his service over 40 years to this church. They selected Rev. Exie Henry as Interim Pastor. She maintained the church spiritually and physically from October 2016 to March 2017. Though her guidance, the church, Councilmen Bill Gordon and the help of RVIC'S organization, restored the old wood around the fellowship hall and replaced windows, and painted the outside annex. The Deacon's installed new air conditioners in the fellowship hall, they installed a vanity in the woman's restroom. Through prayer and fasting the church was blessed with Pastor William Brown and Sis. Angel Brown to lead and shepherd Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church on April 1, 2017. He has brought the church to a higher level of praise and worship, ministry's are getting the extra help through Pastor Brown's vision. 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.
2024
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.
© 2020 Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church Smithville. All Rights Reserved. MISSION DESIGN SERVICES.
