THE HISTORY OF MT. OLIVE AME CHURCH

In 1881, six people gathered for worship in a bush arbor at the corner of Parramore Avenue and West Robinson Street in Orlando. Worship Services and prayer meetings were held at this location for many years before a sanctuary was built. The original building was located on West Robinson Street on land donated by the late Mr. James B. Parramore, for whom Parramore Avenue is named. The membership at that time consisted of six members: Rev. and Mrs. G. W. Hawkins, Mrs. A. Brown, Mrs. Maggie Daniels, Mrs. Lucinda Arrington, and Rev. Samuel Coleman. With the church needing a name, Mrs. Arrington moved that the church should be named Mt. Olive AME Church.

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Others, touched by their strong belief joined them at this site.  After many worship services in the same location and growing membership over the years, a site on the corner of Washington and Bryan Streets was purchased and a new building was constructed.  In 1950, the church was completely renovated into a beautiful brick building.  The members then built a parsonage across the street for the convenience and comfort of the pastor and his family.

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Orlando, becoming a metropolis, experienced rapid growth during the 60’s and 70’s.  In search of a site for the new federal and state building, the City of Orlando found an ideal spot.  Unfortunately, Mt. Olive AME Church stood proudly on the same location.  For two years following the demolition of the building, services were held at St. Paul AME Church on South Parramore.  After many months of praying, planning, fundraising and hard labor, the members completed the present edifice under the pastorate of Rev. B. H. Martin.  On the 3rd Sunday in March 1979, Bishop S.S. Morris, Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, presided over the Dedication Service.  Mt. Olive has been privileged to many remarkable and accomplished servant leaders.  Two of the former pastors served as General Officers of the AME Church: Rev. R. A. Chappelle, former General Secretary, and Rev. Y. Benjamin Brue, former General Director of Worship and Evangelism.  Rev. Chappelle was also elected and consecrated as the 108th Bishop of the AME Church.