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After that generation died, another grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. (Judges 2: 10 NLT)
From 1906 through the present time, we have striven to please and glorify God.
The chosen, anointed, obedient first pastor; The Reverend Elijah Hicks compelled others to join him as he followed Jesus.
From his horse and wagon; with a dynamic ability to preach, teach, pray, and sing ballads Rev. Hicks led many to Christ.
After the horse and wagon seemed not enough, an old family dwelling house on Fourth Street became our first building for worship. The second location was on Nicholson Street.
In 1916, still guided with spirit and truth, the church purchased a larger dwelling house at 915 Smith Street.
Between January 5 and September 9, 1920, the two buildings next door were purchased. The three buildings were joined together making one large edifice for worship.
By the strength and power of God’s people working under divine leadership, all debt was liquidated at that same time.
Pastor Hicks went to his eternal rest in January 14, 1923 leaving a legacy and memories that will live on.On June 29, 1923, The Reverend James Billups was called as our second pastor. After about eleven and a half years, Pastor Billups accepted a call to pastor in Plainfield, New Jersey.
The Reverend L. A. Alexander, the third pastor led us to become affiliated with local, state, and national bodies of the Baptist Church. Reverend Alexander served faithfully for nearly two and a half years. He accepted a call to Rogers Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Reverend Frank Perry Wise of Eastville, Virginia became our illustrious fourth pastor in September, 1938.
When he was called to Mount Lebanon, he was pastor of Mount Nebo Baptist Church of Eastern Shore, Virginia.
Understanding the present day needs for the church, he was faithful to the task of preparing the congregation to meet those needs. The Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church on Windsor Avenue was purchased. On Sunday, May 11, 1952
The Mount Lebanon Baptist Church congregation marched from the old site to the new worship place. A great beacon of light in the community, we were doing well on Windsor Avenue. The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority purchased that property for the expansion of Norfolk State University. We had to relocate.
Reverend Wise led the congregation into purchasing the present site at 1141 Campostella Road. A beautiful building was erected for worship. It yet stands tall serving the former and present generations of believers.
On March 4, 1981, after forty-two years of productive and faithful service, Pastor Wise went home to receive his reward in Glory.
Dr. Marie Wise served faithfully until her illness. She was called to eternal rest on July 2, 2004.
From March 1981-May, 1982, Mount Lebanon was without a pastor. We were not without leadership.
Reverend Moses Lewis, the assistant to Rev. Wise, served well in this interim period.
In July, 1982 Reverend Ronnie D. Joyner became the fifth pastor of Mount Lebanon. He served for 18 years under the theme, “The Church With A Message.” The Frank P. Wise Educational Center was erected and dedicated under Pastor Joyner’s leadership. Rev. Joyner resigned in 2000.
From July, 2000 to October, 2001, we continued in the word led by spirited preachers and associate ministers.
On October 7, 2001, Reverend Edward L. Randolph, Jr. was elected sixth pastor. On January 12, 2002, anointed to preach the gospel, Rev. Randolph was installed to feed the flock of this household of faith. Under the divine authority of God, Pastor Randolph had ‘ a passion for God and compassion for people’.
We grew in beauty and grace. Sister Adrienne Joyce, Randolph and their children were totally involved in service to God’s house. Rev. Randolph and family reside in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Reverend Donald W. Pollard became interim pastor. His faithful ministry showed love as we continued sacred ordinances and steadfast service unto God.
Reverend Bobby A. Bowser, seventh pastor, was chosen in June, 2005. On Sunday, November 13, 2005, the licensed, ordained, and anointed Rev. Bowser was installed. Pastor Bowser is a faithful and dedicated minister. The Gift given him by God to spread the Word is a great inspiration to the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. Pastor Bowser’s accomplishments are Christ Centered and directed.
Pastor Bowser loves God’s people. He expresses this love and concern through his regular actions: caring for the needy, visiting the sick; and with words and ways to console and inspire the bereaved. He encourages all (members as well as non members); especially the youth. His services to the Smithfield Community and Norfolk is tremendous.
We are refreshed, annually, as we remember Pastor Bowser’s theme message from ( Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT)
“Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depth of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youth will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But they that trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”