History of the
Mount Olive Church of Christ

This history was relate to the writer by Mr. Pete Waters and as researched from church records.

Suwannee River Home Page

DEAR READER:
In the early 1800's the land in this area of Suwannee County was a forest of stately yellow pine and giant oak trees. U.S. 90 was just a dirt road along side the railroad tracks.
To this beautiful land our forefathers came bringing their families and all their worldly possessions in mule and ox drawn wagons. In their hearts they carried a desire to serve and worship our God. In this land they were to make their homes and rear their children. Early in the 1870's the Harrells, Harpers, Warners, Overstreets, Oharah's, Meeks, and others came to Suwannee County. The Harrells and Harpers moved here from Decatur County, Georgia.
These people didn't have a building to worship in at first, so they met in each other's homes just as the first century church did. Ocassionally they had a traveling minister to preach. One such minister was a Brother Goodlow who held a gospel meeting in 1878. I suppose he was a circuit riding minister.
Brother A.J. Cumble organized the Mt. Olive church of Christ, after the New Testament pattern the 3rd Sunday of March 1887. The first regular preacher was R. J. Hinely. (1898-1890) A log meeting house was built by J.O. Harrell and three others on three acres of land deeded by Mr. Harrell.

THE 1887 LOG TYPE MEETING HOUSE

This building was used for worship until about 1909 when a new frame building was built.The nearest water for baptisms was a pond in Brother J.O. Harrell's field, and the pond was used for that purpose until the later 1940's. The building we now meet in was built in the late '50's and the annex was built in 1988. The preacher's house was completed in 1984.

The first elders of this congregation were: J.O. Harrell, D. W. Clayton, and H. M. Meeks. They were appointed in 1909.

Others who have served as elders include Claude Jernigan; M.O. "Marvin" Harrell, a son of J.O. Harrell; R. A. Knight; Lex Roberts; Lumas McCullers; and Paul Clemons. Glenne Harrell and John D. Arnold are our present elders.

Many outstanding preachers have conducted gospel meetings at Mt. Olive. Among them are: C.J. Russell (1890), J. F. Berry (1892), M. M. Mason (1893), M. L. Strong (1894), J. L. Holbrook (1895), J. F. Love (1895), J.A. Harding, (1896) W. W. Stone (1897), T. B. Cargile (1897), F. D. Shrigley (1898), J. W. Hines (1898), Sam J. McCraken (1899), Sam J. White (1902-1909), R. A. White (1908), W. E. Doughtery (1907-1909), to name only a few.

The first regular preacher here was Brother R. J. Hinely (1898-1900). T. A. Cox preached here in 1908 and 1909. Others who have served here are O. M. Griffin, W. F. Lurair, Ruben Crawford (1919), Flavil Hall (1920), Frank Morrow (1921), W. J. Mason (1921), Cleve Moore (1921), Milton Parker 1934), George Roberts, Bro Horton, A.L. Colson (1938-39) W. C. Reeder (1938), W. C. Riatt (1938), Rex Turner (1941), Douglas Harris (1942-43), Garvin Toms (1944), W. C. Reeder (1945-46), Perryman Dennison, Dwight Morrow, Everett Williamson, Millard Roberts, Bob Rowell, Bruce Barwick, Everett Brown, W.O. Hall, Norvell Sperman, Robert C. Lupo, John D. Arnold (1993-1996) , Howard Johnson (1997-1998). Ron Toothman, associate minister, (1999-December 2001); and Melvin Barker (January 1999 - April 2005).

John D. Arnold (January 2002-2005 associate minister) assuming full time duties as Minister, May 1, 2005.

In the book "A History of Churches of Christ in Florida with other related Stories 1869-1949" (2003), the writer says "The church made rapid progress after its establishment. It was a strong congregation in the 1890's, but after 1900 the church didn't grow very much. Many members had grown careless. On August 1, 1915, the church records show a commitment to renewal: 'The Church has grown cold and none are interested in the work. Those having their name put on the book is a confession that they will be more strict to their duties and live nearer to their God than they have in the past.'" The Mt. Olive congregation has experienced some difficulties but is committed to continue to "Preach the Word" and 'be more strict to their duties and live nearer to their God than they have in the past'" J. O. Harrell wrote in the Suwannee Democrat, "The church at Mt. Olive has never had in it a musical instrument and has never given a supper or entertainment for the benefit of the church."

We, as a congregation of the Lord's people, are committed to "Preaching the Word" and walking in the "Old Paths"

We look forward to welcoming you to the 122nd Homecoming March 15, 2009.

Come enjoy the fellowship and hear the word of God Preached. Dinner will be served at 12:30 following the 10:00 A.M. Bible Study and the 11:00 A.M. Worship. See you then!

Home