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HISTORY
"We've Come This Far By Faith"
THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH
In 1880, Mt. Aldred originated at a place called Bunker's Hill. In an area under a brush arbor with brothers: Green Aldred, Jefferson Bradshaw, W.E. McNair, Sister Rosie Bradshaw and a few others, thirteen individuals total. Bunker's Hill was located about three and one half miles from the current location of Mt. Aldred. Worship was held at Bunker's Hill for two and a half year. On September 23, 1881, when A.W. Aldred sold one acre of land near the church's present location to the Trustees at Mt. Aldred (Ben Burnley, Daniel Rivers, Matthew Howard, Anderson Murphy and Alfred Gross) in the amount of $5.00 (Five Dollars). The deed was finally recorded on November 22, 1890.
Early worshippers built a wooden structure on the land and after many improvements, Mt. Aldred C.M.E. Church stands as a legacy of the early members' commitment to God only 18 years after slavery. After 136 years of dedication and work, worshippers and pastors continue praising God as the building has improved and the Lord adds to the number of members from encouraged families and the community. After beginning with a small number of dedicated believers, Mt. Aldred's membership roll consists of over 258 people.
Thirty five Presiding Elders have faithfully served since Mt. Aldred's organization. Among them were Elder: Childs, Harris, Bailey, Haygood, Myles, E.L. Barnes, J.H. Wiggins, A.G. Beckum, J.D. Hudson, R. B. Short, E.T. Ashmore, L.R. Neal, H.E. McRae, Gene R. Dean, Jetson Ronzel Maness and currently Willie J. Wiley.
Many great and dedicated pastors have served at Mt. Aldred in the terms from three months to 17 years. Among them were Pastor: G. Moore, T.C. Hazel, Leslie, Grey, Pratt, Wright, S.H. Sims. James Henry, Stevenson, S.S. Brown, A.L. Henderson U. Searcy, Willie Crew, W.H. Rucker, C.F. Gresham, J.T. Smith, Charles O. Logan, George M Glenn, Willie J Wiley, Horace A. Head, and presently Paul Gardner.
From 1971 until the present, the following additions/improvements have been made: New Pews purchased, Ceiling fans installed, bus purchased, built new Annex with Kitchen equipment, added paneling to the sanctuary, installed central Heat and air, installed new restrooms, installed a Pastor's study with a full bathroom, added the name of the church to its front, purchased technology equipment, installed exterior lights and doors, had stained glass windows donated by members to represent the families of the church, purchased a new bus, purchased new door, and two smart technology monitors were donated by the Missionaries.
The following events are examples of the efforts and events that contributed to the church’s growth and development in recent years: hosted the Bishop's Spring Convocation (1996), tree planted to honor the memories of following deceased members - Sis. Johnnie Harris (Black Walnut), Bro. Lee Jackson (White Oak), Sis. Laura Rogers (Live Oak) and Bro. Ollie Jackson (Magnolia).
Worship Service increased to 2nd and 4th Sunday at 8:00 am with 1st and 3rd Sunday at 11:00 am. The church donated food and clothing to Tornado victims at Brown Chapel C.M.E. in Camilla, Georgia. It participated in the first Relay for Life event to raise funds for cancer victim (2002) in support of one of its members. The Church donated hymnals to Walker Chapel C.M.E. in Norwood, GA and a Keyboard and Amplifier to Jones Grove Baptist Church of Thomson. The Women's Ministry organized "Sister to Sister" - Women Empowering Women (10/2005). Mt Aldred donated food and clothing to Hurricane Katrina victims of Taylor Chapel C.M.E. Church in Pritchett, Alabama (11/2005). The Board of Christian Education was formally organized, and Vacation Bible School was established. In 2009, the Lay Council was chartered with Randy Neal as the Lay Leader and the Commission on Membership and Evangelism was organized.
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