HISTORY OF OLD MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH 1867 -1978

"With God all things are possible." Mark 10:27

History says that a man name Mr. Rickets who came to Nottoway County from the North brought the place called Oak Hill. After his arrival, he met with some of the colored people and began to preach the word. People came from near and far to this place in the woods. The audience soon increased with saints from Walnut Hill, Popular Hill, Linston and Frank's Shop.

As the membership began to grow, a brush harbor church was built. Mr. Rickets soon gave them one acre of land with the deed to keep as long as the land was used for worship.

Membership increased, so a larger log church was built on the land and was named Mt. Nebo. A young man who was born in Mississippi and sold to someone in Virginia, was at this time living at a place called the Castle, came to visit Mt. Nebo. He told the people if they would help him through school he would preach for them as long as he lived. The request was granted and Rev. P. F. Fitzgerald became the first pastor.

People came from all around to join and once again more space was needed. The members voted to have a march. Everyone who marched was expected to give twenty-five cents ($.25). This place we call Mt. Nebo Baptist Church was built. Some of the first organizations were started during this time. Rev. Fitzgerald served us for 44 years.

The second pastor was Rev. William Thomas and he served for 7 years. During his tenure several deacons and ushers were added.

Rev. J. B. Rather, a native of Nottoway County, became the third pastor. Several more organizations, deacons and ushers were added. Rev. Rather organized the first choir with Mrs. Nannie Winn as the first organist, Mr. Henry Winn, choir manager and Mrs. Laura White chorister. This was a joyous occasion. Rev. Rather served for 29 years.

The fourth pastor was Rev. Clarence Jones who only served 1 year. He decided to move to Wellsville, Ohio.

It was 1952 and Mt. Nebo was in need of another pastor. Rev. R. R. Wilkerson was elected as the fifth pastor and he served until 1958. The church brought its first Hammond organ during his administration. Rev. Wilkerson decided to move away.

Mt. Nebo was still growing and again searching for another leader. A young man from Amelia County, Rev. D. E. Gordon was elected the sixth pastor in 1959. The church made wonderful progress under his leadership. New pews and a heating system were installed and also a third Sunday service for the youth. He did great work in developing the youth of the church. Rev. Gordon and the members had visions of building a new church. The new .Mt. Nebo was started in 1975. Although illness came upon him and he resigned as pastor in 1977 his dreams became reality. The members marched from old Mt. Nebo to New Mt. Nebo and Rev. Gordon preached the first sermon in the new church in 1978. What a great day for everyone. Rev. Gordon served for 18 years.

Our current pastor is Rev. J. B. Fields, Jr. He has made great strides in the current Mt. Nebo. We are still moving ahead. Rev. Field has been leading us for 23 years.

We realize that every moment of the years in which this church has been organized has not been one filled with smiles and sweetness. No doubt at times, the road was rough and rugged, and heartaches existed, but with faith in God, with whom all things are possible and a determination to go forward, the Old Ship of Zion known as the Mt. Nebo Church Baptist Church still sails on.