C.S. Lewis said, “History is a story written by the finger of God.” History is more than just dates and facts of yesterday. History is really “His Story.” It is God’s story of how He has worked and carried out His plans and purposes. We are reminded in scripture that God is Sovereign over all of His creation and that includes time and all the decisions of man. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from the ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”
The one hundred sixty-six-year history of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church is no different. We are part of “His-Story.” The history of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church started with a small handful of believers that had chosen to separate themselves from Ebenezer Baptist Church. This small group of believers took a stand for truth, fairness, temperance, and orderliness. However, their stand would be vindicated by the Green River Baptist Association. The association agreed with this small group of believers and gave counsel unto Ebenezer Baptist, too which, they did not accept. As a result, Green River Baptist Association disassociated with Ebenezer Baptist. This small group of believers chose to form Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. They were extended the right hand of fellowship into the Green River Baptist Association and remained there from May 27, 1854 until November 27, 1890, when Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church became a charter member of the Sandy Run Baptist Association.
We can only imagine the difficulties, the ups and downs, and the challenges that the church has faced over the last one hundred sixty-six years. Throughout the history of this church, it has endured wars, economic hardships, pandemics, natural disasters, and the ever-constant challenge of remaining grounded in biblical truth in quickly changing times.
From the time, that Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church was organized to the present, the buildings have changed, many different people have stepped onto this hallowed ground, different pastors have shepherded the flock, but one thing that remains the same is the focus of the church. The Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant that was adopted in 1854, are still held to today. The Word of God is still the only rule of faith, the gospel of Jesus Christ is still being proclaimed, God is still worshipped on these hallowed grounds, and there is still resolve for kingdom work. As that small group of charter members laid forth the boundaries for this church, and thus, establishing the vision and purpose for this church body, may we follow the instruction of scripture and “remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
Pastor Jason Toney
