Church History
The Mount Olive Church was organized as a mission unit in the year 1865, by a white minister of Catawba Presbytery. On October 6, 1888, the Mount Olive Church officers purchased the land on which Mount Olive was standing (2 1/2 acres), from H. S. Walbridge and Herman D. Walbridge of Toledo, Ohio, in Lucas County, for $100.00. Some years later, two additional acres were purchased by church Trustees William Mitchell, Precious Mitchell, Andrew Herron, Cicero Grier and David Knox.
On October 21, 1890, Trustees M. A. Grier, W. L. Parks, and W. N. Kearns, borrowed $125.00 from the Board of the Church Erection Fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in the USA, for aid to enable the church to erect a house of worship adapted to its wants. As time passed, the church was able to attend worship services on alternating Sundays. It was through the interest and concern of the members that inspired the Catawba Presbytery to let Mount Olive hold regular worship services every Sunday. The church witnessed its firsts wedding in 1895. This was the marriage of Martha Grier, the daughter of Morris and Molly Grier, to D.A. Grier, the son of Thomas and Susan Grier. The Church Building also served as the schoolhouse until the early 1900s, when a schoolhouse was erected across the street.
During this time in the church’s history, it was supplied by several ministers. They were Rev. J. W. Alexander, Rev. Matthew James (who is buried with his wife in the McClintock Presbyterian Church Cemetery), Rev. A. F. Graham, Dr. H. L. McCrory, Rev. Cottingham, Rev. L. J. Melton, Rev. Hargrave, Rev. J. T. Phelps, Rev. Thomas Hazel, Rev. Z. A. Dockery, Rev. J. A. Ramsey, Rev. L. B. Elberson, Rev. J. J. Wilson, Rev. R. Z. Beatty and Dr. N. A. Johnson.
Mount Olive called Rev. R. Z. Beatty as its first installed pastor. Although World War I was in progress, the church grew in spirit and faith. It was during this time that the “Church Bell” was installed. It was rung at the start of Sunday School, calling its membership to worship service. It was also rung for funeral processions as they reached the crest of the hill up the street, and it was rung to give notice of a time for a funeral. It rung for approximately fifty years before it had to be removed from the Bell Tower due to structural members being decayed and unsound.
During this time in the church’s history, the Hymn Choir was organized which sung notes a cappella. Prior to that, only congregational hymns were being sung. W. N. Kearns provided the music by playing the Pump Organ. Also, during this period, Elder James Herron (Mr. T. J. & Mr. Tanks Grier’s grandfather) served as Clerk of Session. Elder Mack Kearns served some years later.
By 1940, Rev. R. Z. Beatty returned the church started to grow in its worship and work. Mrs. Bessie Beatty organized the Missionary Society and they became very active with the local Presbytery Women. New pulpit furniture was purchased (three living room chairs). During this period in the church’s history, Elder Henry Kearns was Superintendent of the Sunday School. Some of the teachers were Rev. Beatty, Mrs. Amanda Cathey, Elder James Herron and Elder Mack Kearns.
During this time in the church’s history, one of its members was ill for a long period of time. Elder James Herron (Mrs. Estelle’s husband), passed his hat through the church for money to help this family. It was after this act of kindness that the “Penny Offering” started to be collected in the worship to help the sick. Today we know it as the “Ministry of Compassion.” The youth took pleasure in attending Christian Endeavor on Sunday Evenings.
Rev. Beatty resigned, and Rev. Paul Davis served the church for more than a year. After Rev. Davis left the Rev H.O. Graham became the third installed pastor and served the church for 24 years. During his pastorate, the church could construct a paved parking lot, buy new furniture for the sanctuary, installed running water, electricity, and, through the efforts of the youth and the Trustee Board, a Community Building was built.
In the year of 1949, the Usher Board was organized. Mrs. Sarah Neal and Mrs. Lena Reid were inspired with the idea and recognize the need for an Usher Board. Mrs. Reid acted as spokesperson for the group and presented tentative plans to the session. As a result, the plans materialized into this organization. Mr. Charlie Reid was appointed by the session to serve as President and Mrs. Sarah Neal served as Vice President. This board was organized with only six members. Mr. Charlie Reid, Mrs. Lena Reid, Mrs. Sarah Neal, Mrs. Blandina Wilkes, Mrs. Cora Carrothers and Mrs. Willie Mae Jamison.
Also, by the mid-1950s, the Westminster Fellowship was doing a good work with the youth, and Boy Scout Troop #69 and the Cub Pack had been started. Elder Leonard Mauney served as the first Scoutmaster, followed by Aaron Horton and Jackie Wilkes. Mrs. Evelyn Watt was the Den Mother. Mrs. Rosa Lee Kearns was working with the children in saying speeches during this period.
By 1955, the church had purchased a used bus (a three-bench type) to satisfy its needs. It was used to transport the choir to various areas to proclaim the Gospel through song, pick up members for Sunday School and worship service, Vacation Bible School, picnics and for special needs of neighboring churches.
In 1962, Mrs. Cleola K. Watt was ordained as the first female Elder. By the late 60’sthe youth had organized a Youth Gospel Choir under the leadership of Mrs. Linda Hoover. Clerks of Session, during this period, were Elders Mack Kearns, Leonard Mauney and James R. Grier.
With the resignation of Rev. Graham in January of 1972, Mount Olive was without a pastor until May 1973. It was then that the church called the Rev. Arthur William Canada, Sr. to serve as pastor. Rev Canada had previously served the church as student supply for 13 months. Through the leadership of Rev. Canada and God’s blessings, the church could continue its efforts in building a new edifice. There were many programs designed to meet the spiritual needs of the church and raise funds towards the new structure.
Prior to holding our last service in the old structure September 7, 1975, the church witnessed the 25th Wedding Anniversary of Leonard and Mamie Mauney, and the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Samuel and Cleola Watt. The church held its ground-breaking service that same month and many members attended the burning of the old structure by the Volunteer Fire Department.
On January 4, 1976 Trustees of Mount Olive, James Watt – President and Colleen Grier – Secretary, borrowed $80,000.00 from the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to build a new edifice. Melvin L. Watt served as Trustee for the Lender.
With the old building gone, construction on the new edifice began in late March 1976. Our worship services were held in the Community Building. The minister and congregation held its first service in the new structure on Palm Sunday, April 3, 1977. The church had worked hard, and dream came true.
On December 31, 1988, Rev. Canada left Mount Olive to do a greater work for the Lord. During the next 21 months, many preachers came in and preached the Word of God and Rev. S. L. Fulwood served as Interim Pastor. On September 23, 1990, the church called Rev. H. R. Shackelford as pastor. Elder Graham Watt served as Clerk of Session during this time.
Under the leadership of Rev. Shackelford, Mount Olive has worked with Sharon Presbyterian Church to feed the homeless and to strengthen Black/White relationships through worship, social events, and Community Building Seminars (Inter Change).
In 1991-92, the church was completely renovated. The community building was taken down and the parking lot was resurfaced and expanded.
In 1992 the church received a gracious gift from the late Mrs. Claudia McFadden’s Trust. Her gift enabled us to purchase a new van and made it possible for Mount Olive, along with Mecklenburg County, to sponsor a hot lunch program for the seniors in the Dixie Community.
At a retreat for the Session in 1993, the Session agreed that one of its long-range goals would be the building of a Family Life Center. In 1996 the church purchased 5 1/2 acres of land through the efforts of the Women’s Organization and a $5,000.00 grant from the Presbytery. The site was cleared for future expansion; an acre was set aside for graveyard expansion and through the graciousness of F. T. Williams and God’s blessings, and the land was ready for expansion.
In August 2000, the church voted to build a Family Life Center. By the grace of God and after receiving monetary gifts from Sardis Presbyterian Church, the Charlotte Presbytery, another gracious gift from Mrs. Claudia McFadden, and through the benevolence and dedication of our great congregation, the building was begun in early 2001. After many prayers, great trials, and much hard work, the building was completed in February 2002. On April 28, 2002, the Mount Olive Family Life Center and the Claudia Cathey McFadden Gymnasium was dedicated to the glory of God.
In 2002 shortly after the completion of our Family Life Center, our Women’s Organization hosted the Presbyterian Women’s Gathering. In June of 2002 our Children/Youth department experienced a well-planned retreat in our Family Life Center involving children, youth and instructors from surrounding churches.
In 2002 the Session of Mt. Olive granted permission for the Usher Board to be renamed as the Usher Ministry.
In December 2003, The Christian Athletic League began playing Basketball games here at Mt. Olive.
On Men’s Day October 2008, New Front Doors to the Sanctuary was given to us in Memory of Ernest Calvin Grier. We thank God for his loved ones reaching out and helping us to continue in the up building of God’s kingdom here on earth.
In July 2009, Mt. Olive had the honor of hosting the Charlotte Presbytery meeting. The registration was held in our Family Life Center as well as other committee meetings. Other meeting and Church service were held in the main sanctuary. This was the first Charlotte Presbytery we hosted.
In December 2009, the First Annual One Hundred Men in the Kitchen Fundraiser took place. Through prayer and great participation from the men, and committee members the fundraiser was a success. The proceeds were given to the Organ fund.
On December 31, 2013, Rev. H. R. Shackelford retired from Mount Olive after serving twenty-three years. During the next several months, many preachers came in and preached the Word of God then Pastor Billy Grier, Jr. CLP began as temporary pastor on January 1, 2015. With Pastor Grier’s leadership Mount Olive continues to grow in number and spirit.
On July 1, 2018 Mt. Olive was very fortunate to have called Rev. Willie J. Keaton, Jr. to be the full-time minister of this congregation. Rev. Keaton comes to Mt. Olive and the Charlotte Presbytery as a member of the Presbytery of the Palisades. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y. but has roots that extend to Waugh Alabama and East Arcadia N. C. where he spent significant time growing up.
On August 18, 2018, Rev. Keaton, Jr. was officially received into the Charlotte Presbytery.
Rev. Keaton has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cairn University, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Cairn University, a master’s in theological studies from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. In addition, Rev. Keaton received his Doctor of Ministry from Drew Theological Seminary (December 2018) with a research focus on Mass Incarceration of African Americans. On May 11, 2019 Rev. Keaton received his Hooding ceremony Doctorate and now is Rev. Dr. Willie J. Keaton, Jr. from Drew University in New Jersey.
Rev. Dr. Willie J. Keaton, Jr. was installed as the Minister of Mt. Olive on September 9, 2018 with a celebration like no other.
On July 28, 2019 Rev. Dr. Willie J. Keaton, Jr. celebrated his 1st year at Mt. Olive with a plated dinner. This celebration was with the members of Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church.
We give God all the praise, honor and glory for his mercy and grace, which has enabled us to press onward throughout our rich history. We bow our heads and give thanks to God for the things he has done for and through us. We hopefully and courageously look forward to the things he will do in years to come.
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The history of Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church is very important to future generations to come. It is a written documentation of some of the events that have helped set the foundation and mission of our church therefore an event or program must benefit the growth of the church as criteria in order it be added to the history of the church.