The Beginning…
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” —Hebrews 10:24
Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church was started in July of 1893. Different histories mention about eight people who were a part of forming the church though it could have been more. Among those credited were the Wilson family (Harvey, Harriet, Lit, Mary, Ulysses, Sarah, Annie, Lucretia, Bessie), Howard and Anna Owens, and Phillip and Ida Johnson. Initially, services were held in various homes until the church began meeting in an old-fashioned milkhouse on Kissell’s farm, which is now 56th street.
The move…
“He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, ‘Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” —Genesis 26:22
In 1895 Joseph Rodibaugh donated the land where the first permanent structure was built. It was located near 56th and Guion Road. The congregation continued worshipping there until 1934 when another location was purchased, and a new structure was built on Reed Road. In 1970, the church was faced with yet another decision to relocate and build a new house of worship. The Indianapolis Parks Board approached the church to purchase their property. In exchange, the board would offer the church 5-acres of land on 62nd Street. The church accepted the offer and the groundbreaking for the new edifice took place on January 23, 1972. The construction took just six months. On July 4, 1976, the congregation burned the mortgage to this new property. Members enjoyed worship in this space for nearly 30 years but soon outgrew it. In 2004, the present sanctuary with classrooms was constructed adjoining the former house of worship. In just over 5 years, the congregation once again burned the mortgage and became debt free. In 2013, the old sanctuary, now used for social gatherings and Sunday school, was named the Lucille Henard Fellowship Hall after one of the longest serving members.
The pastors…
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” —Jeremiah 3:15
There have been 16 pastors in the church’s 130-year history. It is uncertain who was the very first. One narrative suggests the church was organized by a person referred to as Reverend Averett. Another narrative lists Isaac Pleasant as the first pastor and still another, Wash Teeter. The best information leads us to the following conclusion illustrated in figure 1. Of the 16 pastors, five had tenures lasting more than a decade. Michael S. Johnson served for over ten years; William C. Groves served for 11; Robert E. Barnett was the pastor for 13 years; J. T. Ward pastored for 15; and Gary Sellars, the longest serving pastor to date, served for over 27 years. Nevertheless, each pastor contributed to the longevity of this congregation. They each had their own style of leadership and they each were used of God to build his kingdom.
The membership…
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10
The members who started the church have already been mentioned. God has used numerous believers over the years since the founding of this congregation to establish and build up a strong Christian community, far too many to call by name. However, there are a few people of note. For example, Mr. Henry J. Kissell provided the first stable location for the church to meet, which was on his farm. Joseph Rodibaugh donated land for the church to build its first edifice. Samuel Brown instituted the first choir in the early 1900s. The Starlight Band, which is the children’s choir and has remained in existence until recently, was started by Lillie Ward. The ministry of ushers began in 1964 and was led by Lulu Mitchell. Evelyn Potter, Lucille Henard, Barbara Pervine and several others were passionate about youth and young adults and organized various ministry activities for them. In more recent days, there were people like Jim King who led the church through the transition of pastor Gary Sellars as chair of the deacons. Donald Henard, continuing in the tradition of his mother, provided his expertise in maintenance as an act of ministry. Terry Frierson became all things to all people. He provided IT support, managed the install of sound equipment, and served youth and men. Dr. Shelvy and Robbia Keglar supported youth academically through a scholarship program. This snapshot of members shows their willingness to serve one another with their time, talent, and treasurers.
The journey continues…
“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” (KJV). —Luke 19:13
In 2012, Mount Pleasant called its 16th pastor, Dr. Michael S. Johnson. Since Dr. Johnson took office, the church has reinstituted two services, hired staff, added new ministries, and led a significant number of people to Christ. Dr. Johnson has become known as a pastor-teacher because of the powerful sermons and lessons he delivers each week. In 2020, the entire world was rocked by COVID-19. Most churches in the United States closed in-person services until better public health measures were in place. This pandemic became a test of faith and sustainability. Many churches did not survive or resurface when it was safe to reopen. Nevertheless, Dr. Johnson, being led of God, directed Mount Pleasant to invest in new technologies that allowed the congregation to maintain quality services online. The measures he took during those uncertain times sustained the church. On May 16, 2021, Mount Pleasant reopened its doors to in-person services and has been refreshing its ministry ever since.
