About

Thank you for checking out Mt. Olive.  As you look through our website you may find that this could be the place for you and your family.  I hope it is!

Mt. Olive has such a powerful past.  It began in 1869 when J.G. Pollard formed a congregation with 38 freed slaves.  They built a building two blocks off Van Buren’s Main Street in 1874 at a cost of $900.  The newly freed slaves were overjoyed about this new journey, and soon were faced with the need for a larger building.  The current Mt. Olive sanctuary was built in 1877.  Now, each Sunday we have the privilege to worship in a place that not only has beautiful architectural history, but also profound spiritual history.

The past of Mt. Olive is amazing, but the future of Mt. Olive is even better. Mt. Olive is a United Methodist congregation that began in 2005.  We are only at the beginning stages of what God has for us.  Our vision is to BE THE CHURCH in the River Valley. The question, you might ask, is how will Mt. Olive fulfill this vision?  The answer is found in three words.  The first is Belong, which means Radical Hospitality.  The second is Believe, which means Radical Discipleship.  Finally the third word is Become, which means Radical Generosity.  These words come from John 4, which is the story of the Woman at the Well. The excitement for this vision is felt each time I come in contact with the people of this church.  I pray YOU will be a part of this NEW and EXCITING journey.  Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with in the future.

I hope to see you soon!