The church’s first foundation is Jesus Christ. In 1885, Bro. Saul Berry saw the need for a church in the Olive Heights community. Bro. Berry along with Bro. Henry Walker, and Bro. John Dozier, and other neighbors and friends joined together in a tin barn, called a brush arbor. The barn had three branches for a top and a dirt floor. Open holes served for windows and doors. The brush arbor was located where the Baylor Research Innovation Collaborative Center (BRIC), previously General Tire Rubber Plant.
Rev. Moses Ervin became the first minister of the congregation. Through his pastoral leadership, the first church was built and named Pleasant Olive. Bro. Ben Franklin donated a plot of land and lumber. Members donated lumber and their labor. Under Rev. Ervin’s leadership, the first Sunday School was organized with Bro. H. Jackson as superintendent.
The second pastor of Pleasant Olive was Rev. Steve Collins. Under his leadership, the first mission society was organized with Sis. Mammie Collins as president. Also the first choir was organized with Bro. Dank Alexander as president and Sis. Ida Dixon as musician. Bro. Dank Alexander was also the first chairman of the deacons.
Rev. Ervin was re-called and served until his health began to fail. Some of the ministers that followed were Rev. E. J. Bowers, Rev. J. O. White, Rev. S. A. Hayden, Rev. Andrew Mays, Rev. A. O. Burgess, Rev. R. L. Bailey, Rev. J. L. Lee, and Rev. M. P. Swisher.
In 1938, Rev. J. L. Dawson served as Pastor of Pleasant Olive for 12 years. During his tenure, the church building was moved to the present location. After many repairs, including straightening the leaning building, the church building was torn down. In 1947, another building was erected. Unfortunately, the members were left without a pastor and in debt, but they prayed together and stayed together.
In 1951, Rev. J. W. Williams served as Pastor of Pleasant Olive. Under his pastoral guidance, the indebtedness was liquidated. Countless of improvements and repairs were made to the church during Rev. Williams’ 32 years of leadership.
In January 1983, Rev. Monty E. Francis, Sr. served as Pastor of Pleasant Olive. Under his leadership, the church experienced an increase in membership, completed a half million-dollar church renovation project, developed and implemented various ministries such as outreach, care prayer ministry, and supported fellowship needs of church members, as well as members of the community. Pastor Francis provided pastoral leadership to the Pleasant Olive family for 23 years.
In February 2008, Rev. Willie E. Clarke, was called to pastor the Pleasant Olive Congregation. Under his pastoral leadership, he continued to restore, revive, and rehabilitate church structure through teaching the WORD of God, provided leadership guidance and training, and implemented existing and new ministries within the church congregation. Pastor Clarke’s first priority was to teach the gospel, teaching “40 Days with the Master.” The series for 40 days grew in spirit, unity, love, prayer, faith, and thanksgiving.
In 2009, Pastor Clarke along with the church congregation approval, appointed a Building Committee consisting of: Bro. Noah Jackson as Chair, Bro. Johnny Black, Sis. Patricia Ervin, Sis. Coque Gibson, Bro. Denny Randolph, Bro. Thirston Green, and Bro. Jimmy McBride. The Building Committee worked with the architect and building contractor to complete over 1400 square feet of renovation, which was completed in November 2011. The Pleasant Olive Family held dedication services on Sunday, January 29, 2012.
The leadership of Pastor Clarke was spiritual as he focused on “Building The Kingdom Through F.R.A.Ngelism, evangelizing Friends, Relatives, Associates and Neighbors. Pastor Clarke was one of God’s great pastors and teachers. We were blessed to have him as our shepherd for 5 years until God called him home on October 21, 2013 while attending the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas – State Convention in Houston, Texas. The church family was saddened in the loss of Pastor Clarke, but what a great Homegoing Celebration!
Rev. Dr. Everett James served as Interim Pastor from October 2013 to March 31, 2015. During his leadership, he continued to focus on teaching the WORD of God through Regrouping, Redeeming, and Rejoicing in his Glory. Acts 16:25-28
On January 15, 2015, the Reverend E. Shaun Williams of Austin, Texas, was called to the leadership of Pleasant Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He humbly accepted with great joy and thanksgiving the opportunity to faithfully serve this congregation. Rev. E. Shaun Williams officially began his Pastoral oversight at Pleasant Olive on April 1, 2015, with Bible Study. Under the leadership of Pastor Williams, the membership has started to grow, which also has included a number of candidates for baptism. Since coming to the congregation of Pleasant Olive, Pastor Williams has dedicated himself to spiritually guide his members with thoughtful sermons and an uncompromising commitment to the teachings of his faith. Pastor Williams continues to be a strong advocate for missionary work, education, and stewardship, and he strives to lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission of the Bible through its ministries.
GOD IS NOT THROUGH BLESSING PLEASANT OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH!