“Celebrating Christ Jesus - 91 Years Old!!!”

Our History

Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church began when members purchased a small house located at 1311 Maple Street, in Atwater California, to serve as their first house of worship.  It was organized on March 12, 1930, under the leadership of Rev. K.P. Coleman, Moderator of the St. John Baptist Association. Rev. A.L. Powell was the first Pastor.  The first deacons were: J.E. Wiggins, J.L. Jones, Sr. J.L. Smith, J.H. Eastman, and J.B. Primm. The first treasurer was F. Davis, and Sister Corine Gaines was the first secretary. 

Over the years, the small house had several additions and modifications.  In 1934 God blessed the members to secure a loan for the addition.  That addition became the main sanctuary.  The original space then became the pulpit area, choir stand and copy room.  The last addition was added in 1992.  This addition included the kitchen, handicap bathroom, classrooms and the pastor’s study.  To finance this final addition, the members contributed to a building fund for approximately six months.  After that time, God blessed them to finish the project. 

In 2002 under the leadership of Pastor Tyler, Mount Olive began the quest to find land to build a new sanctuary.  In 2003, land was purchased at 559 Broadway.  This land was paid off in one year.  The members continued to be prayerful and raise money toward construction costs of a new sanctuary.  On April 17, 2006, construction began on the new facility.  The original Mount Olive was sold on April 20, 2007, and the new facility was completed and ready for occupancy on June 26, 2007. After worshipping at 1311 Maple for 77 years, the members marched to the new sanctuary on July 1, 2007.  At that time the facility was dedicated to God. 

During the period of building the church, Deacon Board members were as follows: Adolphus Speights, Chair, Frank Warmsley, Maurice Tibbs, Johnny Hogges, Sammie Carter, and Houston Brown.  The Board of Trustees were: George Carter, Chair, Charles Butcher, Gilbert Darrett, Robert Fagan, Harry Howard, Ardie Joe, James Pennick, Spencer Portis, Larry Powell, Maurice Tibbs, William Wall, and Carson Wilhoit. 

Mt. Olive has been a solid rock within the community since organizing; providing spiritual guidance, fellowship and a home away from home for people living in the area on a temporary basis and for those stationed at Castle Air Force Base, until the base closed in 1995.  Our mission continues to be one of spreading the good news about Christ and trying to be of assistance to those in need. 

Some past Pastors of Mt. Olive were Rev. M.L. Jackson, Rev. Collins, Rev. Diggs, Rev. J.H. Degraffenreid, Rev. A. Easley, Rev. Dennis Hall, Rev. H. Crosby, Rev. H. Rogers, Rev. J.B. Williams, Rev. O.J. Newman, and Rev. E. Williams.

In May 1980, Rev. Rodger D. Tyler became pastor. Under Rev. Tyler’s excellent leadership not only did the membership grow tremendously, members have also grown spiritually.  Pastor Tyler resigned as pastor effective July 30, 2012.  He relocated to Progressive Baptist Church in Modesto.  Rev. Kerry Dean became the Interim Minister at that time. 

On November 1, 2016, Rev. Felix (Phil) Jenkins became Pastor Elect at Mount Olive.  Pastor Jenkins was installed on January 29, 2017 as our official pastor. We are so thankful to God for sending us a shepherd to lead our flock.  Pastor and Lady First Daphne Jenkins and children have been very welcomed additions to our Mount Olive Family.