Administrative Building
The congregation outgrew the church at 399 North Evans Street and began holding services at the Pottstown School District Administration Building in October 2001. In July of 2002, services were held at the Sunnybrook Restaurant Pavilion but that was short-lived. From 2002-2004, we were presented with a few challenges due to our transitioning from the Sunnybrook Restaurant Pavilion to the Sunnybrook Ballroom Pavilion and back again to the Sunnybrook Restaurant Pavilion.
We serve a mighty God, and the Lord showed us favor in 2003. We paid off the loan for the property at Jackson and Mintzer Streets and became a member of the Suburban Baptist Association.
In 2004, we started having services at the Edgewood Elementary School at Beech and Mintzer Streets and became members of the Central Union Association and the American Baptist Churches USA. On October 28, 2005, we held our Ground-breaking Ceremony at Jackson and Mintzer Streets. With services being held at the Edgewood School, we were able to see the clearing of the land and the building of God’s temple. "..upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Mathew 16:18
Our Founders
Mt. Olive Baptist was founded by Rev. Edward Charles Jr. in 1968 and had approximately nine members. The church was located on the corner of Rt. 422 and Fairview Chapel Road in Birdsboro, PA. In 1975 the congregation moved from Rt. 422 and Fairview Chapel Road to 399 North Evans Street in Pottstown. After moving to Pottstown, the church began to grow rapidly with new members joining weekly.
Rev. Charles pastored Mt. Olive until he retired in 1992. After Rev Charles’ retirement, Rev Marvin Waller became the pastor of the church from 1993 to 1995. Between 1995 and 1996, many guest ministers candidated for the church and through God’s divine providence, Rev. William H. Ball, III was assigned to Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was elected pastor on October 22, 1996. Under Pastor Ball’s leadership, the church continued to grow and his vision and our “Journey to the Promise Land” began. In 1999, the Lord blessed us with over 4 acres of land at Jackson and Mintzer Streets. “Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
Our Promised Land
On Saturday, September 30, 2006, Pastor Ball’s vision and God’s Promise was fulfilled. The Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 240 Mintzer Street, Pottstown, PA held its dedication service. We have a new church and additional members but the journey is not over. The mission of Mt. Olive Baptist Church is to seek and to save people who are lost (St. Luke 19:10), afterwards teaching them through Bible education and training (discipleship), so together we can expand the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church has truly been blessed and we love and thank God for our Pastor William H. Ball, III and First Lady, Rev. Rosina J. Ball. Mt. Olive is a God-fearing, Bible believing and Holy Spirit led church, and our affirmation is: “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13