Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Our
History.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”1 Corinthians 2:9
A legacy of faith
Rooted in Perrine.
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church is the oldest Missionary Baptist Church in West Perrine, Florida.
Our church is rich in legacy, faith, family, and community values. This chronological history is based on the best recollections of the late Sister Ruby Grant and the late Sister Lillie Saunders. Across more than a century, God has sustained The Mount through humble beginnings, powerful ministry, devastating storms, rebuilding, growth, and renewed purpose.
Where it all began
From a bush harbor to The Mount.
The first members worshipped in a “Bush Harbor” somewhere on Eureka Drive - an open area enclosed by loose bushes, vines, and branches bent overhead to form a canopy. Their dream became reality with the completion of the first sanctuary at 18290 Southwest 102nd Avenue.
The small sanctuary held about twenty-five local and seasonal members. After spirit-filled worship, the congregation traditionally fellowshipped at J.L. Johnson’s Café, where a stew beef dinner cost twenty-five cents.
More than a century of faithfulness
Milestones.
1924-1928
A name, a new sanctuary, and new ministries
Sister Ceola Bruton became the first Mother of the Church in 1924 and served until 1977. After the original sanctuary was destroyed by a great storm in 1926, worship continued in another makeshift structure. During this period, the members changed the name from “Bush Harbor” Church to Mount Moriah.
A new sanctuary was completed in 1928. Under Reverend Oscar W. Wells, the church organized its first choir, led by Mr. E.G. Lucky with Brother Upshaw, and its first Usher Board, led by Deacon George Coleman.
1938-1977
Growing ministries and a new home
Reverend Willie Carl Edcar, Jr. became the fourth Pastor in 1938. New deacons were ordained and ministries formed, including the Women’s Chorus, Youth Choir, Youth Ushers, Red Circle, Baptist Training Union, Missionary Board, and Trustee Ministry.
As membership grew, the congregation outgrew its first sanctuary. In 1977, through prayers of thanksgiving and songs of praise, Mount Moriah moved into its new and current sanctuary at 16900 Southwest 100th Avenue in Perrine.
1992-1994
Hurricane Andrew could not destroy the spirit
On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated the community and destroyed the church building - but not the spirit of its members. Worship continued outside beneath a tent throughout the two-year rebuilding phase.
Reverend Adam Evans served as Interim Pastor, while Minister Thomas Ballard, Deacon John C. Bruton, and the Deacon Board guided the congregation. Reverend Keith L. Marshall became the fifth Pastor in November 1993, and in 1994 the congregation moved from the tent into the fellowship hall before returning to the sanctuary two years later.
2003-2018
Community engagement and empowerment
Dr. Joseph D. Turner became the sixth Pastor on November 9, 2003. Membership increased tremendously, additional deacons were ordained, an early worship service began, and many new ministries were established.
Dr. Turner expanded Mount Moriah’s community impact through food programs, back-to-school outreach, family festivals, summer camp, Farm Share, and Miami-Dade County’s Adopt-A-Road Program. His vision shifted the church’s focus from individual worship toward community engagement and empowerment.
2019
One hundred years of faithful service
On August 24, 2019, Mount Moriah celebrated one hundred years of faithful service in the community. Centennial events included a concert featuring legendary gospel singer Pastor Shirley Caesar, 100 Women in White, 100 Men in Black, Greek Sunday, and worship with sister churches Mount Sinai MBC and St. Peters MBC.
2021
A new chapter for The Mount
On January 20, 2021, Rev. Dr. Remiel Lockwood was called to be the seventh Pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. His mission for “The Mount” is to fervently fulfill the Great Commission through sincere worship, dedicated scholarship, intentional fellowship, and efficient stewardship of our talents, gifts, and treasures.
Shepherds through the years
Our pastoral legacy.
01
Rev. Charlie M. Williams
First officiating pastor02
Rev. Frank Harding
Second officiating pastor03
Rev. Oscar W. Wells
Ten years of spirit-filled leadership04
Rev. Willie Carl Edcar, Jr.
Pastor from 1938 · Pastor Emeritus in 199205
Rev. Keith L. Marshall
Pastor from 1993 to 200306
Dr. Joseph D. Turner
Pastor from 2003 to 201807
Rev. Dr. Remiel Lockwood
Called January 20, 2021
Still standing · Still serving
We have come this far
by faith.
As we reflect on our rich history of God’s faithfulness to Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, we honor those who built, served, prayed, led, and persevered. Their legacy continues as The Mount moves forward in worship, scholarship, fellowship, stewardship, and service.
