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HISTORY OF MOUNT OLIVE A.M.E. CHURCH
For over 100 years, Mt. Olive AME Church, Clearwater, has been a physical and spiritual icon to the community. In 1894, Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church began in a refurbished wooden house near 304 Railroad Avenue (now 600 Jones Street). Known only as of the ” A.M.E. Church,” originally it was recognized as Hope Henry A.M.E. Church and served as one of only two black churches in the city of Clearwater. The wooden house in which the church started was renovated to facilitate the installation of benches to serve as pews. The vacant lot north of the church was occupied by the original church.
NATIONAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mt. Olive has served as a beacon of light to the communities of Clearwater for 129 years. On February 3, 2000, She was among 1,298 sites to be listed in Florida as having received the National Historic Designation.
In October 1979, the Bishop sent Rev. J.B. Keel to Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church. Under his leadership, the church purchased various parcels of land around the church. In 1986, the Jackson property north of our church on Hart Street was purchased for additional parking. In 1991, the late Rose Clybourn Harris’ estate (3 bedroom house) became the property of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, which now serves as our church parsonage.
In 1994, the new multipurpose building was built and dedicated by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. Several months later, (within the same year) additional property was purchased west of the sanctuary which is being utilized by our church office staff. And again, in 1995, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church entered a contract with Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. to purchase another parcel of land, northwest of the business office.
For 20 years, the dynamic Keel Team, consisting of Pastor Jimmie B. Keel, spouse, Dorothy Evelyn and James C. Rembert, Pastor’s Steward, led the Mt. Olive Church family to heights inconceivable in Kingdom building.
Rev. Jimmie B. Keel
As we continued this faithful journey, in 2004, after 25 years of dedicated service, Pastor J.B. Keel announced his retirement from Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.
On November 20, 2005, Bishop McKinley Young sent Rev. Ronald E. Williams, Sr. to continue the great work of the church. Pastor Williams proposed a six-fold plan of action for Conference Year 2005, with special focus on further spiritual growth within the Church and strengthening the financial status of the church. During the first year of his administration, he implemented a holistic approach to worship and administration. Pastor Ronald Williams continued the great progress of the church under the banner of “The Best Is Yet To Come” until his transfer as a response to the District needs, in August 2009.
Fortunately, Mt. Olive was again blessed – and this time with the presence of the Reverend LaTanya Floyd and his gracious wife. His warmth, wit and humor brought in many young folks who responded to the spiritual calling of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mt. Olive AME - Today
Pastor James V. Williams, the second oldest child of Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Sr., and Mrs. Evelyn Williams of Orlando, Florida, embarked on his educational journey in his hometown. He continued his studies at Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. His pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth led him to his current endeavor as a Doctor of Ministry Candidate at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Pastor James V. Williams is more than just a leader-he is an anointed, visionary servant sent by God to lead Mt. Olive AME Church, Clearwater, FL, to new heights as a Great Commission Church. His dynamic leadership, fueled by extraordinary energy, commitment, and spiritual insight, has been the driving force behind the significant progress Mt. Olive is experiencing. His influence is evident in the profound spiritual growth, the establishment of numerous new outreach ministries, the integration of the latest technology in church operations, and the formation of strong partnerships throughout the community. These partnerships are designed to enhance the community spiritually, socially, and economically.
Pastor Williams is a powerful preacher and teacher who challenges disciples to commit to systematically studying God’s Word by attending Kingdom Building Bible Study and Discovery Hour Church School. His progressive leadership and focus on providing a comprehensive framework for reaching all disciples of Mt. Olive and non-disciples alike has resulted in many new and innovative in-reach and outreach ministries. Under his leadership, an expanded Children’s Church Ministry was designed and implemented to meet the spiritual and developmental needs of the children. His intense focus on encouraging all components of the church to have an outreach ministry resulted in the church school implementing four new ministries, including the Reaching Outside the Walls Prison (ROW) Ministry, the Kidz-that-Pray (KTP) Ministry, the Adopt-an-Elderly Member Ministry, Student Support Ministry, and the Midweek Learn & Play Ministry for children. He is also one of the founders of The First Rung Project. A construction trade school committed to teaching ex-offenders construction trade skills to become productive citizens. Board member of Man Up and Go. The organization is dedicated to fighting for the fatherless.
Rev. Williams, a pastor with a strong community focus, has led the implementation of church ministries at the “Safehouse” in the North Greenwood community, a satellite facility. These ministries, including the Bread of Life Food Pantry, the Clothes Closet, the Grandparents Ministry, and the Blue Stars Mentoring Ministry for Girls, are a testament to his commitment to serving the community beyond the church walls.
Rev. Williams served as Senior Pastor at Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Webster, Florida, from 2005-2007. His other pastoral charges include Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Deland, Florida, in December 2007. Moore’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg, Florida January 1, 2008 - September 2011.
Pastor Williams and his wife, Angela Williams, form a compassionate and innovative team dedicated to improving lives within and beyond the church. They are the proud parents of three children: daughters Brianna and Morgan and son Dylan, and the proud grandparents of Mya.
As a committed man of God, Pastor Williams’ marching mantra is the Church's motto: “One Team, One Heart, Unified to Impact Lives.” His outstanding leadership model is the way.