Olive Branch Baptist Church was founded by the late Rev. A. Peterson in 1863. The church was then pastured by the late Reverends Beuford Ellison, Steptow, Spencer, Robinson and Stafford Veal. The church ordained the late and former Pastor, Rev. Benjamin J. Julian, who served for 44 years. During his pastorage, he ordained the late Rev. Flemming Paynes and the late Rev. James Patterson.
On November 19,1937, Rev. Julian ordained Rev. Samuel J. Ellison, Sr. who served as assistant pastor. On December 25, 1942, Rev. Julian was called from labor to reward. In 1943, the church elected Rev. Samuel J. Ellison, Sr. as pastor. Under Rev. Ellison's leadership, the Corner Stone was laid in 1952. In 1954, Rev. Ellison ordained the late Rev. John Fisher who departed this life May 10, 1959.
The vision of a better edifice entered the hearts of the pastor, officers and members; and in 1957 the old church was demolished and in the month of August the same year, the foundation for the new church was laid. We were made welcome at the St. Mark B. C., pastured by Rev. W.M. Brew, where we held services while our new church was under construction. On December 13, 1959, we returned and we offered up the Temple at 3222 DeArmas Street back to God.
On August 3, 1993, Rev. Ellison was called from labor to reward. On June 30, 1994, having been guided by the Holy Spirit, the church elected Rev. Reginald Nicholas, Sr. as pastor. Pastor Nicholas was installed by the Westside Missionary Baptist Association on July 15, 1994. The Lord placed it upon Pastor Nicholas' heart to build Him a new house. Pastor Nicholas brought it before the congregation, and without hesitation began a building fund. He knew that when God gives you a vision, you must obey.
The Church purchased land in the surrounding area of McClendonville between DeArmas Street and Odeon Avenue. On September 10, 2000 we held our dedicatory service at the new edifice, 1134 Odeon Avenue, under the auspices of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association and under the leadership of Rev. Moses S. Gordon II.
In August of 2005, Olive Branch along with much of the world, experienced a major catastrophe. Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. A four state radius (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida) felt the effects of this category five hurricane with winds up to 145 miles per hour and literally destroyed and scattered our members across the nation.
Olive Branch, the building, suffered major damages, but the Church continued. As Pastor Nicholas searched for his sheep (via phone, email, or any means possible) to confirm their safety, the Church continued. We held services in the old church, which did not suffer much damage. On Resurrection Morning April 16, 2006, we marched back into our edifice.
From Vision to Victory 2000 -2008, Olive Branch Baptist Church celebrated 145 years of existence and Note Shredding Service, on October 19, 2008 followed by the Church Anniversary & Note Shredding Banquet at the Four Columns Hall.
PRAISE THE LORD
