Our Story

n 1927, the late Rev. G. H. Wingfield started a community church school in a one-room house located on Third Avenue. As children began coming to Christ in large numbers, the ministry outgrew the small space and moved to a three-room house on First Avenue. These high-spirited services would often shake the house, and the growing congregation soon found themselves without enough room to worship. A request was made to Rev. G. H. Wingfield to organize a church. In response, Rev. Wingfield sought permission from Rev. Charles Williams to proceed.

On Wednesday, April 2, 1930, Mount Vernon Baptist Church was officially organized. Those present included Reverends G. H. Wingfield, P. A. Green, O. C. Parker, and Eddie Williams; Deacons Willie Bogan and Henry Grier; Brothers Johnny Bostic and Earl Fryer; Sisters Delia Derricott, Lizzie Bynes, Georgia Williams, Frances Williams, Margaret Bogan, Mamie Thomas, Irene Grier, Ida Bogan, Mamie Lou Wingfield, Ida Bostic, and Ellen Peterson. The children present were Henry Wingfield, William Bostic, Thelma Wingfield, Johnnie Mae Bostic, and Richard (Jack) Bynes. Rev. O. C. Parker presided over the service. Deacon Henry Grier named the church “Mount Vernon Baptist Church,” as there were no churches nearby with that name. Rev. Eddie Williams prayed, and Rev. P. A. Green delivered the sermon.

After the sermon, the doors of the church were opened and the following people joined: Sis. Lizzie Bynes, Sis. Margaret Bogan, Sis. Georgia Williams, and Sis. Frances Williams. Rev. G. H. Wingfield was called as Pastor and was led to the pulpit by Rev. P. A. Green, who presented him with a Bible. The service closed with a song and a dismissal prayer by Rev. O. C. Parker, followed by a repast provided by Sisters Ellen Peterson, Ida Bostic, and Ida Bogan.
Worship continued in the old three-room house until the church purchased a home from Deacon Mal Tubman. That house was torn down and a new church was built. Mr. Willie Parks framed the first church while staying with Deacon and Sister Willie (Ida) Bogan. After completion, the congregation moved into the church, which initially had no windows or doors. Boards were nailed against the walls for seating, kerosene lamps hung for lighting, and a pot-bellied coal heater kept the space warm. Many souls were saved and the membership steadily grew.

In 1943, Sis. Elizabeth Chapman became the Sunday School Superintendent, serving faithfully in that capacity for fifty-four years. In 1949, at the age of nine, Sister Bernice Bogan began playing piano for the church. A voice so fondly remembered was the late Brother Thomas Green, husband to Sis. Janie Green. Brother Green was a lifetime member of the church, a faithful trustee, and a beloved member of the Ida Bogan Male Chorus and the F. F. Cook Gospel Memorial Choir/Sanctuary Choir, where he led many spirit-filled songs throughout the years.
In 1979, Rev. F. Francis Cook led the church in discussions to purchase Calvary Baptist Church. Key members involved in negotiations included E. L. Thomas, Bernice Bogan, John Swint, Henry Howard, Henry Brooks, Charles Walker, and Dr. Raymond Bard. An agreement of $175,000.00 was reached between the officers of both churches. Shared occupancy continued until Easter Sunday 1980, when Mount Vernon permanently relocated to its new home at 1930 Olive Road. At that time, there were only 18 consistent paying members. Rev. Cook resigned as Pastor in 1981.
Deacon Harvey Fields, a lifelong member, served for many years as Superintendent of Sunday School and coordinated Vacation Bible School. He also taught Midday Bible Study for 23 years.
In 1995, during the Pastorate of Rev. Marvin McRae, the Southside Tutorial Program, Inc. was established at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The program supports students in grades two through twelve across all academic areas.
The church experienced the loss of its last founding member, the late Mother Ida Bogan, who passed away on October 21, 2007, just one month before her 102nd birthday. On November 16, 2008, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and support of the late Pastor Marvin L. McRae, Sr., Mrs. Janie Green helped organize the Voices of Mt. Vernon. The Youth Choir was renamed the Marvin L. McRae, Sr. Memorial Choir and was dedicated on May 22, 2009.
Under the pastorate of Rev. Chavas Boyd, Sis. Marilyn G. Heath was licensed as a minister on November 15, 2009. Additionally, the church renamed the finance committee room as the Deacon Theodore Miller Trustee Room and voted Mrs. Lizzie Neely to serve as the Church Mother.
For Mount Vernon’s 85th Anniversary, the original cornerstone from the church’s First Avenue location was removed and installed at the current location on Olive Road. The church further expanded its outreach by launching its website, www.mountvernonchurchaugusta.org, which went live on the first Sunday in May 2012.
Sister Willie Mae Chandler, the oldest member of the church, passed away at the age of 106. She was a faithful member of the Board of Ushers while she was able.
In 2019, during the pastorate of Rev. Andrew Clanton, the late Trustee Slaughter was honored for his contribution of the first $1,000 toward the acquisition of an elevator during the church’s 89th anniversary! . A dedication plaque was placed above the elevator in his honor. Before his passing, Trustee Slaughter named Mount Vernon as the beneficiary of a significant monetary gift, which was later presented to the church by his wife.
Sister Margaret “Dot” Chapman, who served as Church Clerk for thirty-three years with exceptional dedication, was fondly remembered upon her passing. Sister Gerri Bogan was elected as the new Church Clerk, with Sister Valerie McGahee as Assistant Church Clerk.As an annual tradition, Mount Vernon continues to award scholarships to students pursuing higher education through liberal arts colleges, academic institutions, and technical colleges—demonstrating a continued commitment to spiritual growth, academic achievement, and community support.

Since 2022, under the visionary leadership of Pastor Javon Jackson, Mount Vernon Baptist Church has fully embraced the transformative direction titled Refresh and S.H.I.F.T.—Seeking Him Intentionally For Transformation, and God Magnified.  This God-given vision ushered in a powerful season of renewal and progress, resulting in the successful completion of several major improvements across the ministry. Sunday morning worship services and Wisdom Wednesday evening Bible studies are now fully accessible via conference call, Facebook, and YouTube, expanding the church’s reach and deepening engagement with members near and far. 
Further strengthening its ministry efforts, the church established the Worship Team and Outreach Team, empowering members to serve more effectively within the church and the broader community. The church also completed rebranding efforts with  a new identity marker and identity statement that was created by Lady Latanya Jackson.  
The Pastor’s office has been completely refurbished, and significant upgrades have been made to the church's audio and video systems, including the installation of a high-definition camera system, new microphones, and television monitors to enhance both in-person and virtual worship experiences. The church experienced some damage due Hurricane Helene. As a result, the roofs of the church have been replaced and the upstairs educational wing has been repaired to useable status. 
Through the fulfillment of God’s vision for this church, Mount Vernon Baptist Church continues to thrive as a place of worship, transformation, and Kingdom impact.