Mount Neboh Baptist Church was organized April 1937 in the home of the late pastor Reverend R. B. Pearson and was incorporated on November 19, 1937 with twenty-seven members and twenty-one dollars. The road was paved.
During the early years the young church struggled, for existence, and finally settled at 2365 Eighth Avenue. In 1953 the late Rev. William D. Gardner was installed as our Under Shepherd. The church grew spiritually, numerically, financially and the mortgage was burned.
During the early years of 1960's we were unable to worship in our church. We were blessed to be able to serve at the Fountain Spring Baptist Church and Rescue Baptist Church, who opened their doors to us allowing us to worship God as a church family. In the 1970's we became the proud owners of two apartment houses and the Shining Light Baptist Church at 304 West 127th Street. Dr. Gardner had a vision for a centralized location with comfortable seating for the membership.
In 1979 we purchased our present location at 1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. On Sunday, June 29, 1980 we marched into our newly renovated church. We celebrated with many dignitaries and churches in attendance. Within one year we burned the mortgage. In August of 1987 God saw fit to call Dr. Gardner home. We praise God for Dr. Gardner whose faith knew no bounds giving thirty-four years of dedicated service to God, Church and Community.
October 1988 Rev. Dr. Richard Watkins of the First Calvary Baptist Church was installed as our new pastor. From the beginning of his new administration the membership progressed spiritually and financially. Rev. Watkins brought forth new challenges and changes to the church body. We grew in many aspects with the expansion of new ministries, work-shops, effective youth programs and continual growth in the knowledge and understanding of God's word.
Rev. Watkins under took two major renovation projects for our lower fellowship hall and upper sanctuary. During January 1997 thru July 1997 our Sunday Services were held at the New United Sabbath Seven Day Adventist Church. August of 1997 we marched into our newly renovated sanctuary thanking God for his many blessings.
Rev. Watkins included an 8:00 AM worship service, Mother's Board Ministry and a second Missionary Ministry and The Feed the Hungry Ministry. He had a tremendous impact on the members of Mt. Neboh and contemplated many plans for the new millennium. God called him home before he could complete them all. We cherish his memory and endeavor to carry out the task he left behind.
Once again praying and searching for a pastor, we turned to Jeremiah 3:15'And I will give you pastors according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.'Under the guidance of God we called the Eminent Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green Jr., Pastor of the New Zion Baptist Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. God had already ordered his steps to the Mount. On Sunday, October 8, 2007 Rev. Green was installed as our fourth pastor. Pastor Green has a highstandard for learning. He came with a purpose: Christian Spirituality and equipping the Saints for Ministry.
The word was out and immediately the membership began to mushroom. Since coming to Mt. Neboh in June of 2006, more than 1000 souls have walked the isles for both New Membership and Membership Restoration. Pastor Green has brought many new changes to the church. To highlight a few, an extreme renovation project to restore the exterior and interior walls of the church at a cost of 1.5 Million dollars has been initiated, the executive offices of the church have been expanded and renovated, a new State of the Art sound and recording system has been installed, a Church Website has been launched, and a Ministers in Training Ministry has become a part of the churches training program. On January 16, 2013 the Rev. Dr. Richard L. Watkins Bible Institute was launched in memory of our late pastor. Pastor Green teaches us, reproves us, corrects us and instructs us in all things pertaining to the righteousness of God.
The light that was shed in the minds of the organizers of the Mount Neboh Baptist Church has indeed spread with such a force that it has been a beacon in the center of Harlem, NY that beckons men and women into its path.
When we think about the goodness of Jesus Christ and all He has done for us, our souls cry out Hallelujah! To God be the glory for the great things He has done.