Our Heritage
Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with a rich and Godly history. We are a Christ-centered, gospel-bound, Holy Spirit-led, and prayerful church. As baptized believers, we believe that Jesus Christ died for the remission of our sins and rose again with all power in His hands.
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Since 1968, the pastors, leaders, and members of Greater Mt. Moriah have remained committed to the mission of the Church: to win souls for Jesus Christ. Through that steadfast commitment, we have witnessed lives saved and transformed, broken families restored, and countless individuals encouraged, supported, and led to commit their lives to Christ.
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Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church was established in Newark, New Jersey, in 1968. Rev. Lucas Wright was chosen as the church’s first Spiritual Leader. On October 17, 1968, the church was incorporated as Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church through the New Hope Association, with an approximate membership of twenty-five members.
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As the congregation grew, the church relocated first to 37 Fulton Street in Newark and later to 836–838 Clinton Avenue in Newark. In February 1976, Rev. Melvin McDaniel became Pastor of Mount Moriah. He served faithfully as Pastor, Spiritual Leader, and friend. Under his leadership, God continued to bless the ministry with growth, making a larger place of worship necessary.
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In May 1985, the church moved into its present home at 210 Clinton Avenue in Newark. Within four years, by the faith of the members and the grace of God, the mortgage on the current building was burned. During this period, the church was also reincorporated as Greater Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
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In September 1986, Rev. Melvin McDaniel resigned as Pastor, and Rev. Bennett Johnson Jr. was called to lead the congregation. Rev. Johnson faithfully served Greater Mt. Moriah for more than twenty-six years. Following his resignation in April 2013, and during the transition period of seeking new pastoral leadership, Deacon Ralph Swepson was voted President and oversaw the financial, spiritual, and operational matters of the Church.
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Greater Mt. Moriah’s legacy reaches beyond its walls. In recognition of the dedication and community service of Mother Willie Brown and Mother Clara Thomas, Wright Street was officially named Willie Brown Way. We also honor Mother Margaret Jordan and Mother Florence Williams for their faithful presence and support throughout the church’s journey.
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The ministry has continued to move forward through major renovations and improvements. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sanctuary was renovated and remodeled and reopened for worship services in September 2021. Through continued technological upgrades, Greater Mt. Moriah has expanded its ministry beyond Newark, New Jersey, allowing the Gospel to reach people near and far.
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Today, the true Word of God continues to be taught and preached, and the power of God continues to be demonstrated at Greater Mt. Moriah. The church continues to grow both naturally and spiritually, while remaining committed to its enduring mission: to win souls for Jesus Christ.
We give God all the glory for His faithfulness throughout the years. As we move forward in faith, Greater Mt. Moriah remains committed to serving God, strengthening families, and sharing the Gospel in our community and beyond.