Our Journey

 

In 1899, five families regularly gathered for prayer and worship at the home of Mrs. Carrie Walton, located at the corner of Chicon and Manor Road, and the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Denmon. These same families called upon the Lord for direction to organize a church for the East Austin community.

Sometime later, through prayer and faith in God, the worshippers were blessed with the property at Poquito and 22nd Streets. A church building was constructed in 1901 and
named the “Main East Austin Baptist Church.” Reverend Gilbert Fuller became the first pastor to serve at the church, and he was blessed to have his wife, Sarah.  During his tenure, Pastor Fuller called his stepson, Reverend Albert Shelburn, to assist him as the co-pastor. After Pastor Fuller’s passing, the church continued to grow under the leadership of several pastors. From the late 1920s until 1948, Pastors Felton, Andy Walker, Randle, J.H. McClain (Kate) and S.L. Evans (Melissa) served at the Main East Austin Baptist Church. Pastor Evans was involved in a train wreck while returning from a Baptist Convention, and he succumbed to his injuries a few weeks afterward. The church called two Ministers, Reverend J.H. Scott and Reverend T. E. Marshall, to serve as pastors for a short time.

In 1948, the church called a former member, Reverend L.V. Ates, to be pastor. He, along with his wife, Blanche, returned from San Francisco, California, to accept the pastorship. In 1957, the church building was demolished, and a new church was erected on April 3, 1958. At that time, the church entrance was changed from Poquito Street to 22nd Street. As well, Pastor Ates obeyed the Lord’s direction and changed the name of the church from “Main East Austin Baptist Church” to what it is today, “Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.”

When Pastor Ates departed the church, Reverend F.C. Ransom became the church pastor in 1964. He and his wife, Lillie B., were known to show their generosity to the community. Also, Pastor Ransom encouraged young local ministers by providing opportunities to teach and preach at Mount Sinai. Of note, our present Pastor Mays was among these local ministers. Under Pastor Ransom’s leadership, the church was remodeled, a fellowship hall was added, and the church celebrated a note-burning ceremony.

After Pastor Ransom left Mount Sinai, the church was blessed to have Reverend Earl Harris, along with his wife, Kathleen, serve as pastor from 1980-1986. During this time, the church grew in membership, spiritually and financially. Pastor Harris also instituted a Scholarship Committee to encourage young people to continue their education after high school. The Scholarship Committee continues to be a church priority so that our youth are encouraged to seek higher education opportunities. In 1986, Pastor Harris left to lead another church congregation.

The Lord blessed Mount Sinai once again as Reverend A.W. Anthony Mays was called as pastor on September 15, 1986. Pastor Mays, with the support of his wife, Fannie, led the church in a new direction toward a “Faith Ministry.” Through his leadership, the church also adopted his spirit-directed church theme of “Ministries for Mankind.”

In 1989, the membership significantly increased; therefore, Mount Sinai outgrew the edifice at 2000 East 22nd Street. The Lord blessed the church with a larger building at 1801 East 38th ½ Street. On April 9, 1989, the church celebrated its 90th Church Anniversary. During the event, the Mount Sinai Christian Drill Team, under the direction of Sister Cleo Hawkins and Drill Sergeant Tony Robertson, led the church in a parade from the “Old” church building to the “38th ½ Street” church home.

In 1991, structural additions were made to Mount Sinai which included a fellowship hall, four offices, and two classrooms. The Church School was also expanded to thirteen classes, including six non-traditional courses, like “Teaching Us to Pray.” In 1992, as the membership continued to increase, Pastor Mays sought out pastoral support by naming Reverend Everette Freeman to be the Assistant to the Pastor. In July, Pastor Mays added a 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning worship service to accommodate the rapid church membership growth.

In April 1993, Mount Sinai was able to retire the debt for the 38th ½ Street property at the 94th Church Anniversary Celebration. Also, in keeping with the theme, “Ministries for Mankind,” several new ministries were added to the church. The new Women’s Ministry, under the direction of Sister Fannie Mays, increased women’s participation and involvement in the church. This article mentions your favorite at super low prices. Choose from same-day delivery, drive-up delivery or order pickup.

In 1994, with a rapidly growing congregation, Pastor Mays and the church began actively seeking God’s guidance in securing a larger church campus. Later that year, Mount Sinai obtained the property located at 5900 Cameron Road. The first service at this site was held on November 6th. It was followed by a Dedication Service on December 11th; the day’s theme proclaimed “Hither-to Has the Lord Helped Us” (1 Samuel 7:12). Before the service, a large motorcade of members drove from the 38th ½ Street location to 5900 Cameron Road. In 1994 additional property next to the main church campus was purchased and would later be used for Sunday Youth Services and Sunday School Classes.

In 1995, the Mount Sinai Christian Academy began operations with an emphasis on Christian values. The Christian Academy still educates children today. Many past students have gone on to receive a post-secondary education.

After the passing of Reverend Everette Freeman, Reverend Emanuel Limuel, Jr. was chosen to be the Assistant to the Pastor in 1997. In the following year, Reverend Ralph McCormick was selected as the first part-time Youth Pastor. Because the youth ministry grew, Reverend McCormick was appointed to serve as the first full-time Youth Pastor in 1999.

In 2000, under the inspiration of the Minister of Music, Chester D.T. Baldwin, the Mount Sinai School of Music was created, and this program continues to enroll students today. After Brother Baldwin left Mount Sinai, Deric Lewis accepted the position as the Music Minister. Also, during this time, Reverend McCormick was called to pastor a church, so Reverend DeChard Freeman was appointed Youth Pastor.

As Mount Sinai’s church family grew, the church was again in need of a new home. Pastor Mays envisioned providing a facility to meet the needs of the church family and the community for many years to come.

In 2003, Mount Sinai acquired the property at 8500 Cameron Road (19.85 acres, 92,000 sq. ft. of existing building). It would not be until 2016 before any construction began on this new church property.

In June 2007, the Inaugural Kidz 4 Christ Summer Camp was established under the leadership of Reverend Freeman. This ministry was created to accommodate the community’s need for affordable summer childcare with a Christian focus.

When Reverend Limuel left to become a pastor, it was determined that Mount Sinai would benefit from having two assistant pastors. Therefore, Reverend Ray Hicks and Reverend Matthew Mays were appointed as Assistant to the Pastor and Second Assistant to the Pastor in 2008. Also, when Reverend DeChard Freeman organized his church, Reverend Garry Roberts Jr. became the third Youth Pastor in 2009. And, in 2010, when Reverend Hicks accepted a pastorage at a church, Reverend Matthew Mays became the Assistant to the Pastor.

In an effort to continue engaging the Austin community and reach a larger audience, the music ministry decided to create a CD of Christian music. Brother Deric Lewis and the Church Choir released their single, “I Believe,” with EPM Music Group in July 2014.

As Mount Sinai anticipated the vision of a new church, phase one construction began at 8500 Cameron Road in November 2016. The phase one development included the sanctuary, lower level classrooms, and offices. Phases two and three will complete the construction of the new church campus. During these phases, Mount Sinai will gain a family life center, Christian Academy, gym, and a second floor of offices and classrooms.

As construction of the new church began, Reverend Roberts returned to pastor his childhood church. In June 2017, J.B. Martin became the fourth minister to accept the position of Youth Pastor.

On December 8, 2017, the church property at 5900 Cameron Road was sold. Mount Sinai’s anticipation of a new church became a reality with the sale of this site.

Mount Sinai continues to grow under the stewardship of Pastor Mays. His devotion to God and the church family is evident in the number of accomplishments made during his 31-year tenure. The Mount Sinai Family is grateful that God sent a man with a vision, strong faith, and willing spirit to move the church in His will.

We are thankful to the humble group of worshippers who gathered to worship in a small white framed home and who had the foresight to build a church for generations of worshippers. We are living the vision of so many who came before us. The Mount is on the move again, and step-by-step we will continue to complete this journey.