The journey of one hundred years is not without its perils. One hears the joy-sorrow pathos of our elders from long ago, “Sometimes up, Sometimes down. . .” Such is the rhythm of life and, specifically, church life. The humble beginning of Mt. Olivet a century ago on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1907 in an old warehouse gives testimony to the authenticity of God’s leading. With the blessing of the Shiloh Baptist Church those first thirteen disciples commenced a ministry that yet flourishes a century later. Many churches have been birthed since then, but many no longer exist. Our praise to God resonates because we claim with the Prophet-Judge Samuel, “. . . Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!”

These years of Mt. Olivet's ecclesiastical existence have known only nine Pastors and one schism. No church is without her flaws and failures; nevertheless, the guiding power of God has wrought through our frailties a century of work, witness, and worship. The temptation during this celebration is to bask in the glory of the past, but we must never forget that the vision is yet unfolding. In the language of the poet, Robert Frost, we have "miles to go before we sleep." Much work remains to be done, our witness must be even bolder, and the fires of holy worship must burn even brighter.

How privileged and humbled I am that Mt. Olivet's Centennial occurs during my pastoral watch. I commit myself anew to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel because this is not an age for the trumpet to give an uncertain sound. I renew my pledge to be faithful to my pastoral obligations and do all I can to lead you in the work of the Kingdom the Lord has laid to our charge.

May the Christ who established our beginning grant us His continuing favor as we renew our congregational commitment to do His and not our own bidding.

Dr. Charles E. Booth