Our History

On October 17, 1917, God assembled a group of believers together in the home of the late Mrs. Ida Stafford on 17th Street and Avenue “A “. There were eight people present, and the Reverend A. Wilson presided over the organization. Mrs. Silas Johnson recommended that the name Mount Gilead Baptist be given to this fellowship. Little did they know that this body of believers would be the first Negro Baptist Church in Lubbock, County, Texas.

With the membership growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and savior, they realized a larger meeting place was needed to have their services. They were granted permission to hold their services in the old courthouse in downtown Lubbock. Shortly after undertaking the risk, they realized worshipping in the courthouse could present problems. It was apparent to Blacks at this time that they were not wanted in Lubbock County. One day while they were conducting services, someone set the building on fire.

As the membership waited upon the Lord, He renewed their strength with Reverend J.G. Jackson, and during his leadership, the congregation purchased two lots on Avenue “A”, between 16th and 17th Street. These were the first lots to be sold to Negroes in Lubbock County.

In the fall 1918, many people left Lubbock, but the few that remained kept the Church going until 1919, when the first big cotton harvest brought a large number of people to Lubbock County. The congregation then moved onto one of the lots they had purchased. In August of 1922, the congregation bought a new piano, and by the year 1924, the first choir was organized. In 1925, a stucco structure was erected on the lots, and they sold their old building to Carter Chapel C.M.E. between 1926 and 1929, the first parsonage was purchased.

In 1929, under the leadership of Reverend M.S. Malone, the Mount Gilead Baptist Church entertained the West Texas Association. This was the first and largest meeting ever held in Lubbock County by Negroes. In 1932, the church was affiliated with O.W.T. Association. In 1939, under the leadership of Reverend Cook, more members were baptized than there had been in previous years, and the first kitchen and dining room were added to the church.

In June of 1950, Reverend S.R. Roberts became pastor of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church, and under his leadership, the membership doubled. With the cooperation of the pastor and members, the congregation purchased two lots where the present edifice stands; 2512 Fir Avenue. In 1955, this structure was built, and it consisted of a baptistery, cry room, choir room, pastor’s study, kitchen-dining area, and classrooms. In 1977, Reverend Roberts was named Pastor Emeritus. In 1980, Reverend Larry L. Polk was called to lead the church, and under his leadership, the church constitution was revised and a unified treasury incorporated. Also, the historical land marker was obtained and placed in front of the church.

In 1995, Dr. J. Jerome Johnson, Sr., became pastor of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church, and under his leadership, we have implemented several new ministries, expanded the music ministry to include the drums and a praise and worship team, we have also added the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) and we are moving strong. The Youth ministry now has a puppet ministry and praise dancing. We have also done a number of repairs and renovations throughout the sanctuary and S R. Roberts Fellowship Hall. We have seen growth in some areas, but a decline in other areas; yet we continue to press forward because through it all, we have learned to trust in God and depend upon His Word. Pastor Johnson has also launched “Hope In The Hood (Helping other Obtain Direction) a program which serves the total need of man and he has launched the EAGLES (Equipping Anointed Godly Leaders Entering Service) Ministry, which is a leadership collaboration of pastors and workers who assist the pastors and churches in areas of concern, to work ministry in the communities where they serve. Dr. Johnson has also launched Bridging The Gap Bible Institute, where ministers of the gospel can receive an accredited degree of Bachelor and Masters. Each ministry is embracing the challenges set before us and we are making a difference. We have faithful leaders and ministers who aide in the furtherance of the ministry as well as many committed members who work without fail to see the vision come to pass.

Only the future holds all the accomplishments that the Mount Gilead Baptist Church will embrace, and with God’s blessings, each member can say, one to another, “United We Stand”.