has served as a pillar of refuge and a source of strength for its members and the South Atlanta Community. Its history reflects the visions, the missions, and the spirit of those who have labored in the Master’s vineyard since its inception.

It is through the efforts of the late Reverend Ezekiel Kineard that Mt. Pleasant had her humble beginning. In 1908, Rev. Kineard called together a band of Christian believers and shared with them his dreams and aspirations for the community.

Following many prayerful discussions emerged the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, becoming a spirit-filled church with the human touch, reaching out to the needs of the community.

For the next four years, the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church’s membership grew rapidly, but most importantly, it became a symbol of Christian hope and love. In 1912, Rev. Ezekiel Kineard (pastored four years) was called home from his earthly duties, however, his conscientious mission to make his community a better place had already made an indelible stamp in the hearts and minds of posterity.

Over the next few decades, Mt. Pleasant was blessed to have anointed men of God dedicated to spreading the Good News and winning souls. The Reverends Rowland, Davis, Trier, B.J. Johnson, Sr., Jackson, R.B. Freeman, Dan Smith, and R.B. Thompson, pastored for a total of 17 years. R.H. Milner, pastored 1929-1942, Albert M. Lampkin, pastored 1942-1948, and Benjamin W. Bickers, pastored 1948-1957, all continued to blaze the trail which had been laid.

On March 6th, 1958, Reverend Otis Levan Blackshear accepted the pastoralship of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the Church has continued to be that beam of light which manifests God’s goodness to all mankind. Rev. Blackshear has moved the church in the direction of addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of the community.

Numerous programs and ministries were designed and served as support systems to the members as well as to the community. Meals were carried to Senior Citizens, food baskets and clothes were distributed to needy families. The Board of Christian Education was established along with Men, Women & Youth Ministries to name a few. A Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates in furthering their education.

Property purchases, and building expansions projects were part of Rev. Blackshear’s Pastoral period. He retired and became the Pastor Emeritus in June 2008. He continued on as Pastor until the new Pastor arrived.

With Christ as the resource, Mt. Pleasant pressed forward with the urgent business of proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. On Watch Night, December 31, 2008, Reverend Clinton Dwayne McFarland became the Senior Pastor of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist church. Within the first year, he revised the church website implementing congregational photos to instill pride and inclusiveness. A new Marquee sign was constructed on the corner of Jonesboro Road and Meldon Avenue and the Shelton Fellowship Hall was renovated. On March 18, 2012, the first service was held at the newly acquired second location of Mt. Pleasant at 2600 Snap Finger Rd in Lithonia, GA 30038. Live streaming began on November 17, 2013.

On November 12, 2014- Pastor Clinton McFarland announced his resignation as Pastor and that the fourth Sunday, November 23, 2014 would be his last day. On that date the church split. Almost half of the membership, especially those attending the Lithonia location, went with Rev. McFarland as he established another church.

Mt. Pleasant immediately began the process of searching for a new Pastor. Rev. Roderick Weathersby became interim Pastor at Mt. Pleasant during the search period. During church service on December 28, 2014, our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. O. L. Blackshear Sr, had a heart attack in the Atlanta church location after he had prayed a powerful prayer. He was taken to Grady Hospital. Rev. O.L. Blackshear Sr passed away at Grady Hospital on January 14, 2015 at 2:30 pm. This was the end of a great and historic era at Mount Pleasant. Now with the passing of such a towering figure of the Atlanta church community, and the second church location, these were dark and tough times for the Mt Pleasant Baptist Church.

Reverend Roderick Weathersby was elected and became the Senior Pastor of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on August 2, 2015. Under his pastorate, the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church began to heal as she continued to grow strong spiritually and conduct that business which she had been called to do. Rev. Weathersby reignited the Food and Clothing Ministry, much needed services in the community. He moved the church toward his vision and goal, which was “Rebuilding the House”. The interior design of the sanctuary was remodeled in May 2016 and the media ministry expanded under his leadership.

In 2020, the spread of the coronavirus led to a global crisis of unprecedented reach and proportion. The pandemic accelerated the decline of many churches in America. Then with God’s guidance and adapting to hybrid worship services, Mount Pleasant was able to survive the pandemic.

Reverend Weathersby resigned as pastor of The Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, on June 5th, 2022.

On July 3rd, 2022- Reverend Micheal Benton, Pastor Emeritus of Fairfield Baptist Church, began as Interim Pastor of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He stepped in, with his vast knowledge and experience and provided the necessary leadership and assistance that was needed for the particular time. His love for Mt. Pleasant and willingness to serve with a humble spirit brought healing and harmony to a fractured congregation. Rev. Benton’s programs and plans, one of
which was the GOT Fund (Giving, Offering & Tithing) helped put Mt. Pleasant on a better financial footing, as the church prayed and sought Jesus’ guidance and leadership in finding a new Pastor.

Now on January 1, 2024, Reverend Doctor Michael A. Chambers officially became the pastor of The Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Dr. Chambers had been working with Rev. Benton for weeks to facilitate a smooth transition and it was seamless.

On December 29, 2023, Pastor Chambers implemented a 40-day prayer campaign for the Church entitled “Preparing Ourselves for God’s Calling”; which called for all members to pray daily at 12 noon for the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in the following areas: for Healing in the Church; Humility in the Church; Health of the Church and Harmony in the Church. In addition, e-mails with the scripture and prayer though, were provided. He also requested a roster of all the sick and shut-in members and the elderly. He began a phone contact with these members which was met with great joy.

Dr. Chambers and First Lady Lizzie B. Chambers have implemented and facilitate a “Family Meet and Get to Know” practice, whereby the church members get to meet them and they get to interact and acquaint themselves with the members.

The Pastor’s first Bible study was conducted on January 24, 2024 and was in-person and live- streamed. Then on January 27, 2024, he conducted Leadership training in which he provided 3 books for training. The training and the books were impactful and thought provoking.

He has already affected other projects and facility improvements, just to note a few such as: repairs to the Sanctuary roof; repairs and painting in the Shelton Hall and the first floor of the Sanctuary; Organizing a Prayer Walk in the community and church clean-up; LED lighting upgrade in the parking lot. In addition to these works, Pastor Chambers has conducted meetings with politicians and community leaders.

There is a feeling of great and exciting times ahead for the south Atlanta church on the corner of Lansing and Meldon Ave.