It was in 1945 that a group of devout Christians decided to organize a new church in Fort Pierce, Florida.  They left Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church and formed the Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Elder A. Martin.

 

The first church service was held in a small wooden building on North Ninth Street.  The membership consisted of twenty-two members.  Included in this number were three (3) Deacons and two (2) Deaconesses.  The first auxiliary to be organized was the church school and the late Rev. Moses Brown served as its first superintendent and the late Deacon Harvey Law was the first secretary.  Mother Eula Monroe succeeded Deacon Law as the next secretary.  The church grew immensely under Elder Martin, and he led the congregation into its first church, built by the members, at 525 North 11th Street.

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In 1947, Elder S.P. Kilpatrick was called to pastor the young Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church family.  Because of the need for additional space to accommodate the increased membership, the church was expanded in 1961.  Included in the expansion was a parsonage, dining room, restrooms, and many other modern conveniences.

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The church continued to experience rapid growth and it soon became evident that the existing building could no longer accommodate the membership.  Additional auxiliaries were organized to provide involvement for the members. Land was purchased and a massive building fund drive was undertaken. Sister Queen Townsend served as recording secretary and clerk during construction. Sister Mae Pearl Richardson served as financial secretary and Sister Emily Broxton served as tithers secretary. In 1967, Elder Kilpatrick led the congregation in a groundbreaking ceremony at 21st Street and Avenue K.

 

After many challenges and heartaches, the membership had done what many said couldn’t be done.  The saints knew that all things were possible, if only they believed and it was through this belief that on the third Sunday in May 1968, the doors of the Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church swung open.

 

The day was one that was filled with joy – unspeakable joy and a dream had been fulfilled.  The main sanctuary featured cushioned-backed pews, central heat and air, lounges, an office and pastor’s study, a balcony and a choir loft which seated 75 persons comfortably.  The S.P. Kilpatrick Fellowship Hall featured a modern kitchen and dining area, which also served its ever-expanding church school.  Many wonderful programs and banquets were enjoyed in that facility.

 

Elder Kilpatrick served Greater Mt. Pleasant with much vigor and enthusiasm.  He was a man ahead of his time, but slowly, his footsteps began to shorten, but never his faith.  His faith was expressed with these words, “As long as God lives and the old man lives, it will be done.”  For forty-eight years, Elder Kilpatrick served with distinction, gave of himself and his resources unselfishly, and led where most would dare to go.  During his forty-eight years of leadership, Mother Marie Kilpatrick, his wife, was his greatest supporter and helper.  Mother Kilpatrick was a teacher, a prayer warrior, a public speaker, and a role model for Christian women. In 1994, Mother Kilpatrick retired as the church’s minister of music and thus ended her music era at Mt. Pleasant.  The history of the Greater Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, both written and spoken, is rich because of the abundant blessings and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

In September 1995, the congregation of Greater Mt. Pleasant accepted the resignation of Elder Kilpatrick and its beloved pastor retired, bringing to a close, a chapter in the church’s history.

 

Moving on, because we must, a search committee was recommended to select a new pastor.  This was not an easy task for the membership to undertake with most having known only one pastor.  The challenge, however, was accepted and the first step was a week of prayer and fasting.  The second step was a week of preaching by Moderator R.J. Hendley, Jr., who also provided several pastoral duties while the church was without a pastor.  Brother Anthony Williams was elected as Minister of Music, he along with Brother Wendell Martin led the choirs and the church praise during this time. 

 

On March 2, 1996, Elder Charles Hendley was called to serve as the third pastor of Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church.  Pastor Hendley has undertaken the leadership with determination as spoken in his words, “to do all I can while I can.”

 

On the third Sunday in May 1996, Elder Charles Hendley was officially installed during a special installation service with Elder L.V. Hobbs, vice-moderator, presiding and moderator R.J. Hendley, Jr. delivering the installation sermon.  Sister Gwendolyn Hendley, his loving and devoted wife and their three sons - Sean, Quinn and Jason were at his side.

 

Five deacons were serving upon the arrival of Elder Hendley.  They were Deacons James Ware, chairman, Ishmael Harris, Joseph Broxton, Clarence Durden, and Charlie Lyles.  Six deacons were ordained under Elder Hendley’s leadership, namely, Deacons William Moore - Chairman, Calvin Cobbs, Stacy Noble, Mark Leath, Wilford Solomon and Thomas Siplin.  Deacons Frank White, Frederick Ellis, Richard Hammonds, Karsin Timazee and Elvin Jenkins united with Mt. Pleasant as deacons with letters from their local churches. Ministers Jace Walker, Michael Taylor, Jason Hendley, Inous Ellis and Michael Monfiston united with the Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church and were ordained as Elders under pastor Hendley’s leadership. 

 

Deacons Joseph Broxton, Charlie Lyles, Clarence Durden and Mother Eula Monroe, our church’s last founder, have been called to their eternal rest.  Additionally, Deacons Ishmael Harris, Calvin Cobbs and Stacy Noble have relocated their memberships.

 

The membership continued to grow, requiring the need for more ministries to accommodate the members’ involvement; thus, the New Beginning Choir, Male Choir, Signs of Harmony, the Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Young Adult Ministry were formed. In addition to meeting spiritual needs, there have been several physical improvement projects undertaken, including renovation of all bathrooms and the purchase of lots adjacent to the church’s property. To enhance our music department as well as our worship experience, a new piano, keyboard, organ, and drums were purchased.

 

In 2003, a major construction project began with the addition of a new wing which houses an ultra-modern dining room and state of the art kitchen, two new restrooms and six new classrooms.  In addition, a pastor’s study and secretary’s office was built. The hurricanes of 2004 caused a delay in the completion of the project, and all services were held at the East Florida Primitive Baptist Temple until the completion.  During the church’s renovation, a state of the arts sound system, security system and ceiling tiles were installed.  After the completion, a dedicatory service was held the 4th Sunday in June 2006, directed by Elder R.J. Hendley, Jr.

 

God is continually feeding the flock of Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church through our pastor, Elder Charles L. Hendley and his assistants, Elder Jason Hendley and Elder Clifford McMillon. Our pastor was elected as the Moderator of The East Florida District Primitive Baptist Association in October 2011 and re-elected in 2014. 

 

For the 8:00 a.m. worshippers, a hot breakfast is cooked and served by the men of Greater Mt. Pleasant every first Sunday and a continental breakfast is served for the remaining Sundays of each month by various members.

 

God has truly blessed us in the upkeep of His kingdom.  Landscaping, led by the late Brother James "Bud" Chester, included new shrubbery, a new sprinkler system and new sod to beautify the outside of the sanctuary. A tape ministry, DVD's and CDs are available of the preached sermons upon request was added. Most recently, most of the wood paneling was replaced with dry wall and the inside of the sanctuary was painted, new entrance doors were hung, and the communion room was completed.

 

April 5, 2014, the church proactively reaches beyond its four walls, into the community and beyond, to help those in need, and those who seek the promises and salvation of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior by having a monthly free clothes and food ministry.

 

In 2017, monitors were installed in the sanctuary, allowing the scripture and hymns to be seen by the congregation. During our 11am Church’s 72nd Church Anniversary we celebrated the burning of the mortgage.

 

In 2020, The COVID-19 pandemic changed worship experience when public health orders limited in person gatherings. We had to become more creative and use digital platforms like Teleconference and Zoom to conduct bible study and church school. The greatest blessing was the initiative of Sister TaWonna Johnson, being the driving force for our weekly online Sunday service via Facebook live. The COVID-19 shutdown was the first time Elder Charles L. Hendley had preached online, and within a month, the church was livestreaming the worship with many followers. We continue to provide livestream services to reach people who can’t be physically present in church on Sunday due to work, illness or infirmity.

 

Investing in a new roof for the sanctuary was a big leap for the members. The congregation realized a replacement roof was needed when major leaks began coming through the old shingle roof. Installation of a colored metal roof was completed in August 2023.

 

Our church history attests to the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

 

This history reflects only a few milestones we have accomplished through the grace and power of the almighty God and a complete history of Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church cannot be written, because it is continuing to be made.

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Original history penned by Mother Eula Monroe, 1967 | Updated by Sis. Queen Townsend, 2003 | Recently updated, 2023