Our Church History

Learn more about our history, who we are, and what we do.

1893

A small band of people led by Rev. T. H. Washington met to organize a mission. From this group emerged the Mount Olive Baptist Church. An application was made to the Allegheny General Baptist Association for recognition as a Missionary Baptist church.

The application was granted. As church attendance increased, it was necessary to erect a small building to accommodate the worshipers.

1902 - 1915

They began worshiping in a new, larger building. Rev. Washington served for 22 years until his death on December 20, 1915.

1916 - 1919

The call was extended to Rev. L.C. Keiser. He served between 1916 and 1919.

1919 - 1959

A succession of Ministers was called to serve Mount Olive between 1919 and 1959:

Rev. C. Adams, 1919 – 1930; Rev. F.W. Williams, 1931-1932; Rev. G.F. Nelson, 1932 – 1939; Rev. J.F. Thompson, 1940 – 1943; Rev. H.R. Williams, 1945 – 1959

Mount Olive remained steadfast, surviving two wars and the depression. After the Redevelopment Authority acquired the church site, they were forced to relocate. Plans were made to erect a new edifice.

1960 - 1982

Rev. Brannon Hopson was called to Mount Olive in April 1960. Under his leadership, a committee was formed to study possibilities for erecting a new church building. Emphasis was placed on tithing and regular pledges to maintain the support of the church. The current church edifice was then constructed in 1961.

The mortgage was burned during Rev. Hopson’s 16th anniversary. After a lengthy illness, Rev. Hopson passed away on September 28, 1982.

1983 - 2000

The following Ministers were called to serve Mount Olive between 1983 and 2020:

Rev. Clifford Seay, 1983 - 1984; Rev. Randall Barr, 1987 - 1992; Rev. Bernie Manning, 1993 - 2001;

Rev. Willie C. Moore, 2003 - 2006; Rev. Montele A. Crawford, 2007 – 2010; Rev. William Baker, 2011-2020

2022

On April 24, 2022, Rev. Brian Hutton Jr. was called to become the next Pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was installed on June 26, 2022.

our pastor

Rev. Brian Hutton Jr.

Rev. Brian Hutton Jr. is the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church of Rankin. He was licensed into the gospel ministry in 2010 and ordained in 2016. Prior to arriving at Mount Olive, he was an associate minister at Fifth Street Baptist Church and executive pastor at New Prospect Baptist Church, both in Meridian, Mississippi.

Rev. Hutton’s ministry lies in teaching and was called to teach prior to being called to preach. He has served as Sunday School teacher, superintendent, and created classes from the ground up.

Rev. Hutton is the weekend evening meteorologist at WTAE Channel 4. Prior to arriving in Pittsburgh, he was the weekend evening meteorologist at WNCN in Raleigh, North Carolina and chief meteorologist at WTOK in Meridian, Mississippi.

Rev. Hutton has been married since 2009 to his wife, Jenny. They have two daughters, Allie and Kathryn.

Rev. Hutton has a Bachelor of Science degree from the now PennWest California, Master of Science degree from Mississippi State, attended the Master of Arts in Christian Education program from Tennessee Baptist Seminary, and is working to finish a Doctor of Education from Grand Canyon University.