Church History
136 Years of Ministry — A Legacy of Faith Since 1889
A Legacy of Faith Since 1889
From a humble brush arbor on Honeywell Road to a thriving two-campus ministry on South Gessner, Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church has stood as a pillar of faith, perseverance, and community for more than 136 years. Each generation has built upon the vision of those first eight believers, keeping the flame of worship and service burning brightly for all who call Riceville home.
March 11, 1889
The Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church (“Riceville”) was organized in a “Brush Arbor” on March 11, 1889, by Rev. John L. Lilly, with a founding membership of eight: Isaiah Jackson, Sophia Edwards, Mary Rice, Simmom McCode, Susie Marshall, Vinia Marshall, Rocksanna Rice, and Diana Jackson.
October 11, 1889
On October 11, 1889, developer John Ruby donated land for the church and burial grounds behind Keegan’s Bayou (now 9945 Honeywell Road, home of Riceville Cemetery). After several meetings, Jake Rice—longest-standing resident—named Rev. Lilly as official Pastor, and the church was named Riceville. Rev. Lilly served 20 years until his death and was succeeded by Rev. I. Griffin, who pastored for 16 years.
1916
In 1916, a storm destroyed the church; Rev. Griffin led the effort to rebuild a larger structure. Following Rev. Griffin’s passing, Rev. Lee Moton served as interim Pastor for one year. He was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Smith (three years), Rev. Earl W. King (nearly three years), and Rev. Morris Goodman (four years). Rev. D. Pope also served as interim Pastor for one year. Under Rev. T. H. Shermann’s seven-year leadership, twelve feet of new construction were added, and the Christian Union—still active today—was established.
1942
In 1942, Rev. Travis Spiller became Pastor. To grow the congregation, services moved from twice monthly to every Sunday. A new building was erected in 1944 by Rev. C. H. Mitchell (son of Deacon John E. Mitchell) and paid off by 1947. Rev. Mitchell later built a two-story addition housing a cafeteria and classrooms. Rev. Spiller resigned in 1953, and Rev. C. L. Miller served as Pastor for 14 years until 1967.
August 1967
In August 1967, Rev. Joe D. Johnson was called as Pastor. On July 4, 1968, the church was destroyed by fire—only a Holy Bible was found in the ruins. Services were temporarily held in a house on Riceville School Road (now 11231 South Gessner Road, North Campus). Under Rev. Johnson’s leadership, a new church was built and opened in May 1971, fully paid off by June 1974.
1975
In 1975, a remodeled house became the Fellowship Hall, with costs paid off by April 1978. By 1981, two church vans were purchased. In 1983, land was acquired on South Breeze Drive for parking, and the sanctuary was expanded by 30 feet. Additional land was obtained in 1985, where a mobile building—still in use for classrooms and meetings—was placed.
July 1986
As the church continued to grow, Riceville acquired 10 acres on South Gessner in July 1986 to build a new facility. Seventeen more acres were purchased in 1994 and paid off by 1996. Pastor Johnson’s vision came to life when construction of the 22,000 sq. ft. building was completed on December 8, 2002. The first service at 11539 South Gessner (South Campus) was held on December 22, 2002. The building was paid off eight years later, with a Mortgage Burning Ceremony held on March 13, 2011.
September 2009
September 2009, after 42 years of dedicated leadership, Rev. Johnson retired and became Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Melvin E. Bates served as Interim Pastor until August 2010.
August 2010
Rev. Terry E. Mackey was called to serve as Senior Pastor and was officially installed in November 2010. During his tenure, church membership grew, and the North Campus was remodeled and renamed the Joe D. Johnson (JDJ) Center. The center now hosts Youth Church services, ministry gatherings, meetings, and community fellowship events. Rev. Mackey also initiated plans for an “Impact Center” to meet the needs of the expanding church and its surrounding communities. He served faithfully for eight years, resigning in December 2018.
November 2019
In November 2019, Rev. Dr. Calvin J. McFadden, Sr. was called to lead Riceville and began his pastoral ministry in February 2020, concluding in February 2022.
November 2023
Rev. Thomas T. Davis, Jr. was called to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church.
