A Brief History of Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church

Reverend G. W. Symington organized Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church in 1903. During his three years pastorate, the membership grew from twelve to fifty members.

Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church has had several short term pastors during its formative years. Some were: Reverend Amos English, Reverend J. H. Chattum, Reverend John Slaughter, Reverend D. W. Butler, Reverend T. H. Short, and Reverend J. L. Lampley.

Reverend Felix H. New Faithfully served for thirty-five years until he retired in March 1965. During his pastorate the Church grew substantially. He established a “Youth Department, Junior Deacons, Junior Ushers and a Youth Choir.” Also, during his pastorate the church building burned. But, with fund-raising efforts such as dinners, carnivals, pledges etc. in 1958 a new edifice was built.

Reverend Julius R. Scruggs became our pastor in 1965. He instituted our radio broadcast, encouraged members to tithe and improved our church both physically and spiritually.

Reverend John Perry Jr., Reverend James McCord, and Reverend Mark Sadler served as pastor and Reverend Charles Willoughby as interim pastor for brief periods of time.

Reverend David Groves became pastor in March 1982, and resigned in October of 1989. During his pastorate our church purchased a van. We also purchased all of the property adjacent to our church, remodeled our sanctuary and installed a new air conditioning unit.

Reverend Dr. James E. Henry became our pastor in August 1990. Under his leadership we restructured our organization and became incorporated with the State of Tennessee . We initiated an annual “Youth for Christ Parade” that showcase our churches auxiliaries, local bands, politicians, and community leaders to show South Nashville residents alternatives to drug abuse, violence, and teenage pregnancy.” We have provided food and clothing for needy families and individuals.

In 1992 we built a new restroom on the Sanctuary level and installed a new heating and air conditioning unit. We formed an Angel Choir, Mass Choir and Male Chorus.

  The Number Of Members Have Increased Steadily

In 1992, we ordained seven Deacons and two Associate Ministers. In 1993 we ordained one minister and licensed two ministers. The spirit continued to grow stronger in our worship services and community involvement. Our youth ministry hold annual parades.

In 1993, we installed new commercial, heavy duty carpeting and permanent cushioning on all the pews. We have 3 church vans.

In 1997, we licensed one preacher. The church continued to expand our spiritual growth through fellowshipping with churches in other states such as Ohio , Mississippi , touring Washington DC , New York and Connecticut. We have in pervious years fellowshipped with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church in Nassau , Bahamas .

Mt. Ararat Has A “Rich” and “Blessed” History

We installed a new sound system and covered our ramps and pedestrian walkways with heavy gauged patio covering awning. We centralized our financial and administrative resources toward planning for church expansion. We approximated our expansion to increase our physical capacity from 300 to approximately 1,000 worshippers once the balcony is completed, and the other much needed space for special ministries.

On April 7, 2002 we cut the ribbon on our present new sanctuary, offices and started utilization. We continue to be a community ministry, with summer programs feeding children, and drug and alcohol abuse counseling. So, our challenges continue.

On last year church anniversary we celebrated the completion of Phase II, the renovation of our kitchen and fellowship hall, including the ladies rest room.

In 2003, we dedicated our old chapel that is used for midweek services and children church. It is now called “The Felix H. New Chapel.” Homecoming that year was characterized with a carnival for the children, a parade and a musical concert where we dedicated new choir robes.

First Sunday of July 2004 the entire ceiling of the “Felix H. New Chapel” collapsed. The devastation rendered the chapel totally destroyed. This provided us with an opportunity to renovate the chapel. Reconstruction was started in October and completed in 2005. We now have a small Chapel and four activity rooms. The Chapel area and the four rooms can be used for varied activities such as classes, meetings, weddings, and other events as well as Children's Church and Sunday School..

The Lord continues to bless Mt. Ararat in so many special ways. May the Lord always bless our church with His Spirit.