West Sunrise Highway
P. O. Box F-41901
Freeport, G.B.
Bahamas

Tel: 242-352-6270
Fax: 242-351-7472
Parsonage: 242-373-2169
Pager: 242-340-4128
E-Mail: info@MountGileadUnionBaptistChurch.com

HISTORY of MOUNT GILEAD

In 1988, the Holy Spirit began to impress heavily upon Pastor Smith to begin a work in the city of Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama. The name Mount Gilead became daily words in the mouth of the Pastor, as he would speak the work 'into being' as often as he would come in contact with other Preachers.

Several other denominations tried to secure the services of Pastor Smith as a Minister in their fold, and whereas, he did give consideration to joining the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Church in The Bahamas, he felt compelled to stay with the 'Baptist Faith' and do the works of Him that sent him, while it was yet day.

On the 9th., September 1992, a public meeting was held to ascertain whether or not another Baptist Church was needed. Present at that first historical meeting were Pastor Reno Smith, Mrs. Bronwen Smith, Mr. Eric L. Knowles, Mr. Sidney T. Collie, Mrs. LaQuita Collie, Mrs. Jackquelyn Williams, Mrs. Denice Williams, Mr. Reno Charlton, Mrs. Louise Minnis, Ms. Karen Strachan, Mr. Anthony Forbes, Bruce Watson and several children including Revanno Smith, Kelap, Onesi, Zinza, Massawe and Syndney Collie.

A Resolution Committee was appointed and Pastors Neville Campbell and Keith Russell served as chairman.

On the 15th September, a second public meeting was held. At this time the Resolution Committee presented a copy of the proposed Resolution. Amendments, correction and further inputs were made.

The final public meeting was held on the 19th September, 1992. The Resolution was discussed and passed, the name of the Church, Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, was revealed and it was agreed that the first Service of the new church would be held on the 27th September, 1992.

On the 27th September, 1992 at exactly 9:45 a.m. Sunday School was held. At 11:00 a.m. the Divine Worship service was held, and there was great excitement in the air. The first hymn of praise that was sung was "Come We That Love The Lord." The scripture was taken from the gospel of St. Matthew 28:16-20, and the topic of the first sermon preached from the pulpit of Mount Gilead by Pastor Smith was "Go Get Them". There were thirty four persons in attendance. The name of those who worshipped with us on that first historical Sunday are:-Marolene Cox, Carolyn Forbes, Jackquelyn Williams, Shanaad Williams, Shavez Williams, Elizabeth Laing, Julian Laing, Lenora Laing who incidentally was the first to join following the message that morning. Krista Laing, Terente Laing, Deidre Laing, Cindy Bain, Reno Charlton, Verne Marshall, Enid Rolle, Blondell Ferguson, Racquena Ferguson, Racquel Ferguson, Ravaano Ferguson, Winifred Williams, Dencie Williams, Ruth Poitier, Hope Thompson, Bronwen smith, Revanno Smith, Nancy Miller, Davoohnen Crawley, Laquita Collie, Sidney Collie, Onesi Collie, Zinza Collie, Massawe Collie and Sydney Collie.

On the evening of the 27th September, Pastor Smith began a six weeks new membership orientation class for all new members. These classes are still conducted today for every new member.

On 2nd October 1992 as a result of a letter written by the Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church to The Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches, Superintendent Charles W. Saunders led a delegation of Union Officers to Freeport, to meet with the Mount Gilead Church Family. We were accepted into the Conference of the Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches, and the name of the Church was amended to the Mount Gilead (Union) Baptist Church.