OUR CHURCH

With 26 faithful founding members and Rev. Morris Goodman serving as the first pastor, a spiritual foundation was established that would impact generations to come.

In its earliest days, Mt. Ararat worshiped alongside Rev. A.J. Kemp and his congregation at Charles Atherton Elementary School on Solo Street. While Sunday services were held at the school, Wednesday night prayer meetings and Bible study took place in the Simpson home.

These early believers understood the power of prayer, fellowship, and perseverance. Through their sacrifice and determination, property was purchased at the corner of Waco and Hershe Streets. Just eleven months later, the congregation celebrated the blessing of its first church home.

Following Rev. Goodman's resignation in 1941, Bro. S.H. Roberson, Chairman of the Deacon Board, helped keep the congregation united in faith and prayer.

On January 18, 1942, Rev. A.J. Kemp was called to serve as pastor. During his leadership, the church continued to strengthen its foundation through worship, Christian education, and organized ministry.

Among the early leaders were Bro. S.H. Roberson, who served in Sunday School, Training Union, the Deacon Board, and Brotherhood; Bro. Forest Perry, Church Treasurer; Bro. Harrison, Choir President; Bro. Bailey, Church Secretary; Sis. Lizzie Hooper, a leader of the Usher Board; and Sis. Marjorie Perry, President of the Mission.

In January 1944, Rev. Kemp was called to serve in the Armed Forces and requested that Rev. I.S. Wright, Sr. assume leadership of the congregation.

Under the leadership of Rev. I.S. Wright, Sr., Mt. Ararat experienced remarkable spiritual, organizational, and physical growth.

When the City of Houston acquired the church's property at 4321 Hershe Street for a proposed highway, the congregation faced the challenge of relocation. Through prayer and determination, property was purchased at the corner of Noble and Dan Streets, where the church established a new home.

Over time, additional property was acquired, church facilities were improved, the sanctuary was furnished with new pews and pulpit furniture, and the kitchen was remodeled to better serve the congregation.

Pastor Wright's leadership also brought the development and strengthening of numerous ministries and auxiliaries, including:

• Deacons and Trustees
• Brotherhood
• Junior, Senior, and Youth Choirs
• Mission Chorus
• Mission I and Mission II
• Junior and Senior Usher Boards
• Nurses Ministry
• Pastor's Aide
• Benevolent and Educational Funds
• Church Improvement Fund

These ministries provided opportunities for members of all ages to worship, serve, lead, and grow in their Christian faith.

Mt. Ararat also became a place where young people were encouraged to pursue education, professional excellence, and community leadership. Generations of members went on to serve as educators, doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, musicians, business professionals, and even in state government.

Beyond these accomplishments, countless individuals accepted Christ, families were strengthened, and couples were united in marriage. Several sons of the church answered the call to preach the Gospel, including Rev. Greg Campbell, Rev. Person, Rev. Caldwell, Rev. Grace, and Rev. Hardison. During this era, the late Sis. Fannie Simpson, one of the church's founding members, was recognized as Mother of the Church.

Pastor Wright also established a lasting spiritual tradition centered on Galatians 6:9:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This scripture became the church's motto and was used to close worship services, reminding members to remain faithful in their service to God.

After 44 years of dedicated pastoral leadership, Rev. Wright was called home to glory on June 8, 1989. His legacy of faith, perseverance, and Christian service remains an important part of Mt. Ararat's foundation.

Following Pastor Wright's passing, two sons of Mt. Ararat, Rev. Jimmy Paul and Rev. Kenneth Murphy, helped carry on the work of the church during its season of transition.

In 1990, Rev. Carl L. Green became pastor. Although his tenure was brief, the church continued to experience God's blessings, including the full payment of improvements made toward the beautification of the church.

Then, in 1992, God blessed Mt. Ararat with a new chapter of leadership under Rev. E. Glenn Grant, Jr.

Under Pastor Grant's leadership, Mt. Ararat has continued to build upon its strong spiritual foundation while embracing a vision of "Bridging the Gap Between Family, Church and Community." Through biblical teaching, Christian education, discipleship, worship, and community outreach, Pastor Grant has emphasized the importance of equipping God's people to do God's work.

Sunday worship and Wednesday Bible study have remained central to the spiritual development of the congregation, helping strengthen the church's ministries and its commitment to serving others.

Throughout this era, ministries and auxiliaries have included:

• Men of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – Striving in Unity with Commitment to Christ, our Eternal Sovereign Savior
• Women of P.O.W.E.R. – Prayer, Obedience, Wisdom, Evangelism, and Righteousness
• Youth Ministry – PAC (Participating As One in Christ) and NGD (New Generation Disciples)
• Music Ministry
• Ushers and Nurses Ministries
• Seasoned Saints Ministry
• Hospitality and Culinary Ministries
• Pastor's Provisioners
• Special Laborers

Together, these ministries reflect Mt. Ararat's commitment to nurturing faith across generations, developing Christian leaders, strengthening families, and reaching beyond the church walls to serve the community. Through changing times and new challenges, the congregation continues to stand on the principles of faith, unity, love, and service.

The name Mt. Ararat comes from Genesis 8:4, where Noah's ark came to rest upon Mount Ararat after the great flood.

Just as the mountain represented a place of safety, restoration, and a new beginning for Noah and his family, Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church embraces its calling as a place of new beginnings and second chances.

For generations, this church has been a spiritual refuge where people can find encouragement through life's storms, grow in their relationship with Christ, and experience the love of a caring church family.

As we celebrate our 89th Church Anniversary, we pause to honor the 26 faithful founding members, the pastors who have shepherded this congregation, the ministers who have answered God's call, and the countless members and families who have given their time, talents, and resources to sustain this ministry.

From a small gathering in a Fifth Ward home to a lasting presence in the community, Mt. Ararat's story is one of faith, sacrifice, resilience, and God's unwavering grace.

Today, under the leadership of Pastor Rev. E. Glenn Grant, Jr., we continue the work of "Building Bridges – Inward, Outward & Upward."

Guided by Galatians 6:10, we remain committed to doing good, strengthening our church family, serving our neighbors, and growing in our relationship with God.

As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, we are reminded that Mt. Ararat is more than a building. It is a family, a ministry, a legacy, and a living testimony of God's faithfulness.

Our history is rich. Our faith is strong. Our future is bright. And by God's grace, we're still building bridges!