Butler County, Alabama

Mt. Olive West Baptist Church

Butler County, Alabama

submitted by: Mildred Stinson Brown

The following is an excerpt from Rev. J. W. Joyner's book, A History of the Baptists in Butler County (1819-1957).

 
Above, left is the old Mt. Olive West Church. To the right is the church marker showing that it was established in 1894. Below is the church as it is today. Photos provided by Kay Anderson, Mexboro, Alabama. Her ancestors include the founders of the church: John G. Grace and Anzonetta V. Bennett Grace (gg-grandparents), and Thomas Columbus Grace (great-grandfather). 
 
This church is located five miles west of Garland and is in a small community. While small in number, it is made up of a prosperous and refined people. 

It was organized in June 1894. The presbytery in charge was Rev. I. T. TAYLOR, and Rev. J. H. HIGDON. The charter members were M. A. RAY, J. G. GRACE, T. C. GRACE, A. T. BENNETT, J. G. STUCKEY, Walter STUCKEY, J. E. MIDDLETON, M. D. GARNER, Eliza C. RAY, Jane RAY, Z. R. RAY, M. B. RAY, A. V. GRACE, M. E. GARNER, Sarah BENNETT, Mrs. J. E. MIDDLETON, Corie STUCKEY, Mattie ARMSTRONG, Emma ARMSTRONG, and Liza DURANT. 

The following pastors have filled the pulpit: Rev. I. L. TAYLOR, W. L. FORT, J. E. HOLLEY, E.C .CLAYTON, W. H. JOYNER, W. M. RABB, J. B. BYRD, J. M. COOK, R. T. McLEOD, J. B. OWENS, Illis [illis] HALLFORD, L. D. BARFIELD, Leland TENDAL [prob. Tindal], and the present pastor is Howard DAY. 

This church has a full-time pastor, who lives in a nice pastorium near the church. Miss Ada RAY, a member of the church, was elected clerk of the Association for four years and was one of the most efficient clerks the Association has had. Mt. Olive West cooperates fully in the Association and has entertainedthe Association in Fifth Sunday and Annual Meetings. 

As stated above, Mt. Olive West Community is made up of properous people, has community pride, and the church is the center of their social and religious activities. 

In 1919, the church purchased one and a half acres of land adjoining the school lot, for a cemetery. In 1930, the church also purchased from the State the school lot with building, making the church property four acres. This lot has been landscaped and one of the most beautiful cemeteries in this section is located there. 

Under the leadership of the present pastor, the old school building has been completely renovated, three Sunday School rooms added to the church building, the interior and exterior of the church building refinished, and a heating system installed. 

During the present pastorate eighteen additions by baptize and three by letter have been added to this church. 

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