Mt Olive A.M.E. Church History
1870 – 2009
There are no records available explaining why a group of religious people from the communities of Bestgate and Camp Parole, Maryland met at the residence of the father of the late Reverend John H. Harris in the year 1870. It is assumed that they felt the need to have a place to worship that would encompass the surrounding community. This was the beginning of the mission church that later became known as the “Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church.” In 1873, ground was purchased in Camp Parole to which the old Macedonia Church building from Franklin Street was moved and renovated in 1874. Rev. Hamilton was appointed as the first full-time pastor. In 1906, Reverend Powers was appointed pastor. During his pastorate, the church building was condemned and a piece of land was purchased form Mr. Louis Holscluth and Mr. James Hicks on which to build a new church. In 1909, the cornerstone for the new church was laid and Mr. Charles Carter donated the church bell. Mr. Charles Queen, along with members of the . changed the name from “Mission Church” to Mt. Olive, referring to the Mount of Olives to which the disciples adjourned after the Last Supper. In 1928, Reverend J.W. Armstrong built the parsonage adjacent to the church. In 1938, Reverend Claudius C. Brown was appointed. During his pastorate, the increase in membership presented the need for a new and larger sanctuary. The mortgage was paid on the sanctuary and the first building fund rally was held. During this administration, Reverend Robert C. Lane was the first member of Mt. Olive to enter the ministry. He was ordained an Itinerate Elder and served as assistant to the pastor. Reverend A.E. Allen succeeded Reverend Brown in 1949. He also had a vision to build and began a campaign of individual and organizational pledges that raised $3,700. Sadly, his activities were curtailed by illness, but so great was his interest in building a new church that he bequeathed $550.00 to the church from his sick bed. Reverend John T. Chambers was ordained Itinerate Elder during this period and served as assistant to the pastor. Reverend Allen went on to his final reward March 22, 1952. Rev. John T. Chambers served as interim pastor until Reverend Joseph S. Grant was appointed as pastor. Continuing in the vision of the former pastors, he secured a loan for the building of a new church. In 1953, Sister Emma Levy donated the cornerstone. Mrs. Grant, First Lady of Mt. Olive, organized a group of young people to serve as ushers. She named them “Usherettes.” She renamed the Junior Choir “The Vesper Choir.” Reverend Lucille Donnell was ordained as Local Deacon in 1952, under this administration. In May 1959, Reverend John W. Duckette was appointed pastor. Under his administration, many clubs and activities were initiated. The church purchased a CONN concert organ, a new church bus, and paid off the outstanding balance on the church mortgage. During Rev. Duckette’s tenure, Reverend Sarah K. Smith and Blanche Price were ordained as Local Deacons and Reverend Ulysses Brooks was ordained a Itinerant Elder. They served as assistants to the pastor.