Brief History of Mount Hebron Baptist Church
Oral accounts tell that Mount Hebron Baptist Church was founded by former slaves in 1892 in a place called “Open Crack” in a log cabin also known as a Brush Arbor. The site is said to be located on highway 5. Experiencing growth, land was purchased in Lesslie.
A second structure was constructed. This edifice was located where the cemetery is located. The fellowship Hall was located on the other side of what is now known as Neely store Road. The membership continued to grow and a new church was needed.
A third church was constructed 1910.
Some of the early pioneers of Mount Hebron were Alfred Barnette, Mr. Jim Barnette, Mr. John Barnette, Mr. Simon Barnette, Mr. Paul Isom, Sr., Mr. Sam Jennings, Mr. John Gill, Mr. Joe Gladden, Mr. Walton Gayton, Mr. Andy Jordan, Mr. Sam Massey, Mr. Hillard McMoore, and Mr. Charlie Robinson.
The early pastors who served were Rev. Jasper McConnell, Rev. Abraham Crawford, Rev. J.A. Murray, Rev. J.H. Reeder, Rev. J. H. Lewis was pastor during the 1940s.
Reverend J.H. Lewis left Mount Hebron in 1946 and accepted a position at Weeping Mary Baptist Church. (Massey, 2022)
Reverend J.D. Rucker became pastor in 1946 and remained pastor for the next 27 years. Service was held on the second and fourth Sundays starting a 1:00 p.m. Sunday school was held each Sunday from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
On Apri1 13,1964, the church purchased an additional 1 ¾ acres of land was purchased for the church. Willie Isom, Paul Isom, James Paul (J.P.) Campbell, Walter Gayton, James Barnette, and Robert Massey signed the documents.
A brick veneer, new pews were added from funds raised from a rally. Central heat and air conditioning were added soon after.
The Sunday School teachers in primary through young adult in the 60s-90s were Kasiah Anna Ison, Cathleen Barnette, Mary Lee Isom, Lucille Isom, JP Campbell, Willie Isom, and Selena Barnette.
Reverend Larry L. Robertson was installed as pastor on March 25, 1973. Service was then held at 11:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday.
In 1985, under Reverend Robertson guidance, the members began to study and make plans to build a new church.
On April 28, 1986, the first Women’s Day celebration was observed. Mrs. Sadie Rucker was the first speaker.
In 1987, Mount Hebron began to have worship service each at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Samuel Jackson preached on the first and third Sundays until Reverend Robertson’s position was filled at Friendship Baptist Church in Chester SC.
September 25, 1987, the first Family and Friends Day celebration took place. Reverend Fred McCullough of Fishing Creek A.M.E Zion Church was the speaker.
Ground was broken for the new church in March 6, 1988.
Financial documents for the new church were signed on July 1989.
Construction of the new edifice began August 1989.
The last worship service held in the old edifice was April 29, 1990.
On May 6, 1990 the congregation moved into the new edifice.
A mortgage burning celebration was held on January 17, 2004 at the Baxter Hood Center.
July 25, 2013, Mount Hebron purchased over 54 acres of land on Sturgis Road in the Lesslie Community of York County, SC. The property was originally farmland that was purchased from the Neely family.
November 14, 2014 Reverend Dwayne Brown was named Assistant Pastor.
1.194 acres of land was purchased from the Robinson family on March 28, 2018. The land is directly behind the fellowship hall to the left of the cemetery,
Rev. Robertson retired December 31, 2018 after forty-five years as pastor.
Rev. Dwayne Brown began serving as interim pastor on January 6, 2019