Mt Olive West Baptist Church - Butler Co., AL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. ALGenWeb File Manager - Lygia Dawkins Cutts ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sat, 14 Nov 1998 13:46:45 EST Mt Olive West Baptist Church - Butler Co., AL The following is an excerpt from Rev. J. W. Joyner's book, A History of the Baptists in Butler County ( 1819-1957). Surnames have been capitolized for easier visualization. Mildred Stinson Brown Gatesville, Texas ------------------------------------ MT. OLIVE WEST BAPTIST CHURCH This church is located five miles west of Garlan and is in a small community. While small in number, it is made up of a prosperous and refined people. It was organized in June 1894. The presbytery in charge was Rev. I. T. TAYLOR, and Rev. J. H. HIGDON. The charter members were M. A. RAY, J. G. GRACE, T. C. GRACE, A. T. BENNETT, J. G. STUCKEY, Walter STUCKEY, J. E. MIDDLETON, M. D. GARNER, Eliza C. RAY, Jane RAY, Z. R. RAY, M. B. RAY, A. V. GRACE, M. E. GARNER, Sarah BENNETT, Mrs. J. E. MIDDLETON, Corie STUCKEY, Mattie ARMSTRONG, Emma ARMSTRONG, and Liza DURANT. The following pastors have filled the pulpit: Rev. I. L. TAYLOR, W. L. FORT, J. E. HOLLEY, E.C .CLAYTON, W. H. JOYNER, W. M. RABB, J. B. BYRD, J. M. COOK, R. T. McLEOD, J. B. OWENS, Illis [illis] HALLFORD, L. D. BARFIELD, Leland TENDAL [prob. Tindal], and the present pastor is Howard DAY. This church has a full-time pastor, who lives in a nice pastorium near the church. Miss Ada RAY, a member of the church, was elected clerk of the Association for four years and was one of the most efficient clerks the Association has had. Mt. Olive West cooperates fully in the Association and has entertainedthe Association in Fifth Sunday and Annual Meetings. As stated above, Mt. Olive West Community is made up of properous people, has community pride, and the church is the center of their social and religious activities. In 1919, the church purchased one and a half acres of land adjoining the school lot, for a cemetery. In 1930, the church also purchased from the State the school lot with building, making the church property four acres. This lot has been landscaped and one of the most beautiful cemeteries in this section is located there. Under the leadership of the present pastor, the old school building has been completely renovated, three Sunday School rooms added to the church building, the interior and exterior of the church building refinished, and a heating system installed. During the present pastorate eighteen additions by baptize and three by letter have been added to this church.