The Mount Mariah Baptist Church was organized in 1871 under the leadership of Rev. Morris Burke.

The church was located on the Alma Plantation on Ogeechee Rd. in Savannah, Chatham County, GA. The trustees were: Sister Julia Carswell, Sister Grace Wayne and Sister Abbie Jones.

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Later, Rev. Morris ordained Rev. Prince Walker and Charlie Walker. Rev. Burke served for thirty years.

He departed this life in 1902. His successor was Rev. Prince Walker.

 

Under Rev. Prince Walker’s leadership, Adam Gordon and Henry Gordon were ordained Deacons of Mt. Mariah Baptist Church. The church was moved from Alma Plantation to a triangle parcel of land called Spaulding Place. This land is opposite a point 40 feet west of the center of Girad Ave. and 360 feet east of the Ogeechee Rd., between the four and five mile parallel.

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From 1902, Rev. Prince Walker served for sixteen years; he departed this life in 1918. His brother, Rev. Charlie Walker was called to lead the flock; he served for twelve months.

 

Rev. Charles Carter was called to lead God’s children; he served for three years (1918-1921).

 

Rev. S. T. Thomas was called, he did an outstanding job. Many were added to the church. He served faithfully for six years (1924- 1929).

 

In 1929, Rev. Raymond Jackson was called to serve. In March of 1931, the church was moved from Spaulding Place to its present location, 3922 A.C.L. Blvd., Savannah, GA. Rev. Jackson served for nine years; Christ continued to add to the membership. He departed this life in 1938.

 

Rev. Jackson’s successor was Rev. __ Murray. He served from 1938-1940.

 

Rev. M. T. Thomas served as under-shepherd from 1940-1945.

 

God continued to call “Men of Faith” to nurture and lead His children at the Mt. Mariah Baptist Church. In 1945, Rev. F. R. Rumph was called to serve for four years (1945-1949). His successor was Rev. J. H. Larry. He served for four years (1951-1955).

 

Then, on April 22, 1956, Rev. M. T. Thomas was called to serve for the second time. This time he served for six years (1956-1962).

 

In 1962, Pastor Sammie Gordon, Sr. (The Statesman) was called to Pastor (wife, Sis. Annie Mae Gordon). Under his leadership and by the grace of God the Mt. Mariah church family accomplished many things. Mt. Mariah’s church building was rebuilt from the ground up with the help of the deacons and members.

 

Under Pastor Gordon’s leadership an inscription was painted on the arch over the pulpit, “Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together”—Psalms 34:3. Property expansions included the purchase of four (4) lots. The following became Sons of the church: Minister Augustus Johnson (1999), Rev. Earl Herman, Rev. Gwyn L. Hall, Sr., and Rev. Arthur Lee Kelly.

 

On May 31, 2013, Pastor Gordon retired after faithfully serving fifty-one (51) years. During which time he pastored two other churches:  Mill Creek Baptist Church in Ellabell, GA from May 1963 to May 2003 and Saint James Baptist Church in Ludowici, GA from July 1976 to September 1992. He served as Pastor Emeritus at Mt. Moriah until his demise on December 4, 2016.

 

On June 1, 2013, Pastor Gwyn L. Hall, Sr. became Pastor-elect. Then, on September 29, he was installed as pastor and under shepherd of the Mt. Moriah church family… Under his leadership the church continues to grow; new ministries were formed; special projects: property expansions, renovations, beautification, and fundraisers were enhanced.

 

We are thankful to God for His keeping power during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are truly grateful that our worship service had only two brief closings:  ( 1) for 2 weeks in obedience to the mandate at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and (2) for one week in 2022 due to an outbreak here at Mt. Moriah.

 

Throughout history names are changed and edifices are relocated, however, we remain The Church — The Body of Christ worshipping the Same GOD! Jesus the Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. —Hebrew 13:8 NIV. On August 13, 2020, we received our Certificate of Incorporation and the church’s name was changed to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Savannah, Inc. (A Domestic Nonprofit Corporation).

 

We applaud Pastor Hall for his leadership and steadfastness. We commend the members (ministry leaders, the choir) who from the beginning continued to worship in-person to help stream God’s Word Live on Facebook and YouTube via our website. We returned to our full in-person services on Mother’s Day May 9, 2021 @ 11:00 AM. Because some have fallen away, we encourage our members to come back to God and to keep safe by continuing to follow CDC recommendations. Amen. 

 

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, we celebrated our 150th and 151st Church Anniversary. Our theme, “A Church Determined to Grow In Grace and Spirit.” 2 Peter 3:18. We commemorated our celebration with a 32-page souvenir booklet. The final booklet included letters of congratulations from The City of Savannah’s Mayor Van R. Johnson, II and Dr. Estella E. Shabazz, Mayor Pro-Tem, Alderwoman District 5, and a framed letter of recognition from the Commissioners of Chatham County Tanya Milton, District 5 declaring this day as Mt. Moriah Day!

 

Thank you, members, family, friends, and the community for supporting the ministry financially.  To God be the Glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and will do. Hallelujah!