Located along the route of the historic Selma-Montgomery Voting Rights march, Mount Gillard is known as the "Mother Church of the Civil Rights Movement" in Lowndes County AL.
The state historic marker reads as follows:
"Mount Gillard
Baptist Church
The roots of this house of worship date to 1868 when 26 African American members of Mount Gilead Church left to form their own congregation. The present building was constructed in 1901, with several enlargements and renovations throughout the twentieth century.
Located along the route of the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March, Mount Gillard is known as the "Mother Church" of the Lowndes County civil rights movement. Its members were committed to equality and suffrage; theirs was the first church in the county to host civil rights demonstrations and mass meetings. The Lowndes County Christian Movement for Human Rights held its inaugural gathering in the church on March 28, 1965. The meeting occurred three days after the nearby murder of civil rights worker Viola Liuzzo. The group's political arm, the Lowndes County Freedom Organization recruited a slate of African American candidates for public office in the election of 1966. The Lowndes County Anti-Poverty Action Committee was also organized here. Mount Gillard congregants were active in each organization.
The church was listed on the Alabama Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Erected by the Alabama Historical Association
2016"
From the church website: (
visit link)
"“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29: 11 NIV
The Mt. Gillard Baptist Church was founded in 1820 in Trickum, Al, now known as White Hall. The church was controlled by a white population from 1820 to 1875. Because black people were not given the privilege to mingle with whites, blacks sat in the rear of the church during church services.
As time passed, many of the older whites died and the membership began to decrease. Because of this decrease, a new location was considered and the decision was made to move the church to Benton, Alabama. The white membership gave the black membership five (5) acres of land which is where the current church building sits. Initially, there was no building on the current site but the blacks unified to build a “Brush Harbor” to have services. This building was given the name “Little Mt. Gillard Baptist Church.” This name was used so that people could distinguish between the black church and the original Mt. Gillard Baptist Church.
As time passed, the membership grew for Little Mt. Gillard. Because of the growth in membership, a new wood frame facility was built. The cornerstone is dated for 1901 with Rev. B.F. Braxton as Pastor. Some of the deacons were John Moorer, Gil Robinson, Ed Forester, D.B. Johnson, and Kia Murry. Pilot Creek was used for baptisms until somewhere around 1928 or 1929 when the current baptismal pool was dug. Rev. Tom Caney was the Pastor during these baptisms.
Listed (not in order in which they served) are some of the Pastors of this church: Rev. Braxton, Rev. Tolliver, Rev. Herrod, Rev. Odum, Rev. Jack Fisher, Rev. Byrd, Rev. Harvell, Rev. Patterson, Rev. Simmons, Rev. O.T. Harvey, and Rev. Tom Caney. Rev. Theodore Roosevelt (R.V.) Harrison became the pastor in 1943 and served for 42 years. Under his leadership, the church was able to accomplish many great things.
In 1950, members bricked the wood frame building. Deacon Napoleon Mays assisted in this project. The renovations were completed in 1966 at which time a new cornerstone was placed. Deacons at the time were Sam Whatley, Mitchell Maull, Lemon Maull, (Board Chairperson) and W.C. Haralson, (Church Clerk). During this period, the name of the church was changed to “Mt. Gillard Baptist Church.” An annex housed the kitchen and restrooms. In 1974-1975, new pews and carpeting were installed in the church. In 1983, the city water service was added and a speaker system was purchased by the choir. A stove and cabinets were purchased by the Sunday School and B.T.U.
In 1984, the church began to have services two (2) Sundays each month. Because Rev. Harrison was the full- time pastor of another church in Montgomery, AL, the church and Rev. Harrison reached an agreement for him to provide a minister for the second Sunday services and Rev. Harrison would continue to preach on the fourth Sunday of each month. Rev. Abraham H. Moore was chosen to carry out this task. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Harrison became ill and was unable to fulfill his responsibilities.
Rev. Moore was asked to preach both Sundays and was appointed by the church to serve as Assistant Pastor. In May of 1985, Rev. Harrison died and after observing a sixty (60) day period of mourning, the church asked Rev. Moore to serve as full- time Pastor. He accepted the position and served in this capacity for eight (8) years.
In honor of Rev. Harrison, the church continued to implement the renovations that were underway after his death. On May 31, 1987 the church renovations, estimated at a cost of forty- two thousand dollars ($42,000.00), were authorized and completed through financial assistance from People Bank in Selma, AL. The note of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) was scheduled to be paid in full August 2002, but through the grace of God the loan was paid in full five (5) years early.
During the renovations, Mt. Gillard held services at the City Hall, in the Town of White Hall. Renovations included new walls and ceilings, extended front, and the relocation of the bathrooms to the front of the church. The renovations also included new lights, ceiling fans, stain glass windows, carpeting, and central heating and air. Renovations were completed by Wagner and Bandy Construction Company.
In December 1990 a rededication of the newly renovated structure was held and services resumed. During this time, the following cornerstone was placed at the church:
Mt. Gillard Baptist Church, remodeled 1987
Deacon Frank Wagner-Chairperson
O.E. Johnson-Treasurer
Ed Moore King-Clerk
U.J. Robinson
Napoleon Mays
Barney McWilliams
Mitchell Maull
Jessie Favor
Rufus Haralson-Trustee
Rev. A.H. Moore-Pastor
On April 26, 1992, due to poor health, Rev. A.H. Moore tendered his letter of resignation. His last sermon was preached in July 1992. Deacon Oscar E. Johnson was appointed Chairman of the “Pulpit Committee” to select a new Pastor. After much prayer and the interest of many ministers, Elder Roy L. McQueen was elected to serve as the 18th pastor of this church. Some accomplishments under his leadership included:
Church revival (the third week in August)
Bible study (started October 1993)
Fencing of baptismal pool
Security locks
Lightening rod
Storage room
Church sign
Ramp for wheelchair accessibility
Air conditioner for church kitchen
Vents in restrooms
Paved entranceway
Purchased organ
Pastor McQueen tendered his resignation June 2011.
In April 2012, the church elected Elder Dwight Johnson to serve as pastor. With his leadership and
God’s grace the congregation continues to grow. Membership currently stands at 170-200 with
about 35% regular support. Current officers include:
Deacon Charles Mays, Chairman
Deacon Rufus Haralson, Asst. Chairman
Deacon Oscar Johnson
Deacon Barney McWilliams
Deacon Frank Wagner
Deacon Ed Moore King
Deacon James Barfield
Carl Favor, Trustee
The Mt Gillard Baptist Church is considered to be the Mother Church of Lowndes County. Under the
leadership of Pastor R.V. Harrison, in the 1960s’during the Civil Rights Movement, this was the first
church in Lowndes County to open its doors for the Mass Meeting. They prayed for nonviolence and
worked together for one purpose- the Voting Rights Act which would allow people to vote regardless
of race."