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HISTORY OF MOUNT OLIVE A.M.E. CHURCH
For over 100 years, Mt. Olive AME Church, Clearwater, has been a physical and spiritual icon to the community. In 1894, Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church began in a refurbished wooden house near 304 Railroad Avenue (now 600 Jones Street). Known only as of the ” A.M.E. Church,” originally it was recognized as Hope Henry A.M.E. Church and served as one of only two black churches in the city of Clearwater. The wooden house in which the church started was renovated to facilitate the installation of benches to serve as pews. The vacant lot north of the church was occupied by the original church.
NATIONAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mt. Olive has served as a beacon of light to the communities of Clearwater for 129 years. On February 3, 2000, She was among 1,298 sites to be listed in Florida as having received the National Historic Designation.
In October 1979, the Bishop sent Rev. J.B. Keel to Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church. Under his leadership, the church purchased various parcels of land around the church. In 1986, the Jackson property north of our church on Hart Street was purchased for additional parking. In 1991, the late Rose Clybourn Harris’ estate (3 bedroom house) became the property of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, which now serves as our church parsonage.
In 1994, the new multipurpose building was built and dedicated by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. Several months later, (within the same year) additional property was purchased west of the sanctuary which is being utilized by our church office staff. And again, in 1995, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church entered a contract with Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. to purchase another parcel of land, northwest of the business office.
For 20 years, the dynamic Keel Team, consisting of Pastor Jimmie B. Keel, spouse, Dorothy Evelyn and James C. Rembert, Pastor’s Steward, led the Mt. Olive Church family to heights inconceivable in Kingdom building.
Rev. Jimmie B. Keel
As we continued this faithful journey, in 2004, after 25 years of dedicated service, Pastor J.B. Keel announced his retirement from Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.
On November 20, 2005, Bishop McKinley Young sent Rev. Ronald E. Williams, Sr. to continue the great work of the church. Pastor Williams proposed a six-fold plan of action for Conference Year 2005, with special focus on further spiritual growth within the Church and strengthening the financial status of the church. During the first year of his administration, he implemented a holistic approach to worship and administration. Pastor Ronald Williams continued the great progress of the church under the banner of “The Best Is Yet To Come” until his transfer as a response to the District needs, in August 2009.
Fortunately, Mt. Olive was again blessed – and this time with the presence of the Reverend LaTanya Floyd and his gracious wife. His warmth, wit and humor brought in many young folks who responded to the spiritual calling of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mt. Olive AME - Today
Pastor James V. Williams is the second-oldest child of Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Sr., and Consultant Mrs. Evelyn T. Williams of Orlando, Florida. Growing up in Orlando, he laid the foundation for his impactful journey by graduating from West Orange High School, earning his degree from Livingston College, and pursuing advanced theological studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Payne Theological Seminary, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and spiritual growth.
Pastor James V. Williams stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in the Clearwater community and beyond. As the energetic leader, Pastor Williams is more than just a pastor; he is a visionary architect of change. Under his inspired leadership, the church has flourished, experiencing unprecedented spiritual growth and launching a diverse array of outreach ministries that touch lives far and wide. His innovative approach leverages modern technology and fosters community collaboration, aiming for holistic improvements in the spiritual, social, and economic fabric of the community.
Rev. Williams leads community outreach initiatives through the Mt. Olive Community
Development Corporation. The CDC supports ministries such as the Safehouse in North
Greenwood, which provides resources, including food, clothing, and personal items, to
individuals in need. Programs administered include the James C. Rembert Literacy Program, MTO Scouting Troop 600, Blue Stars Girls Mentoring Program, and the Angels Day of Caring. Additional ministries are the Reaching Outside the Walls Prison (ROW) Ministry, Kidz-that-Pray (KTP) Ministry, and the Adopt-an-Elderly Member Ministry.
He is also a founder and former Vice President of The First Rung Project, a construction trade school dedicated to equipping ex-offenders with construction skills to support their reintegration as productive citizens. Additionally, he served on the board of Man Up and Go, an organization devoted to advocating for and supporting fatherless youth.
A powerful preacher and engaging teacher, Pastor Williams passionately encourages discipleship through impactful Bible study programs. His commitment to inclusivity is evident in the numerous ministries that have been established under his leadership, catering to children, families, and ex-offenders, ensuring that no one is left behind. Each initiative reflects his unwavering belief in the potential of every individual and the power of faith to transform lives.
His past pastoral roles at Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Webster, Florida, Bethel AME Church in Deland, Florida, and Moore’s Chapel AME Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, have equipped him with rich experiences that further fuel his passion for service.
Together with his wife, Angela, Pastor Williams forms a compassionate and creative team
dedicated to making a lasting impact. Through their collective efforts, they inspire a movement of hope and change, encouraging everyone to join in the mission of building a brighter future for all. They are the parents of three children: daughters Brianna, Morgan, and son Dylan. And the grandparents of Mya.
As a committed man of God, Pastor Williams’ marching mantra serves as the Church’s motto: “One Team, One Heart, Unified to Impact Lives.” His outstanding leadership model sets the standard.