THE HISTORY OF MOUNT NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH
In 1965, a group of devout Christians, finding a need for a Baptist Church in the area, assembled in the home of Sister Richardson at 1112 Del Monte Street, Salinas, California. After much prayer, divine guidance, and consultation with neighboring brethren and churches, a council was called to consider the matter. Deacon Frank Edmond, Sister Olivia Powell, Sister Richardson, Deacon and Sister Miller, Brother and Sister Robertson, and Brother and Sister Green, after several meetings sought divine guidance.
On the 9th of June 1965, the Reverend Gosby E. Hooks along with the above-mentioned persons present, called a council. On that date, the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of San Jose, California, pastored at the time by the Reverend J.D. Houston, officially designated a Mission. The Reverend Gosby E. Hooks was selected as the first pastor. With energetic, consecrated leadership, Mount Nebo began aspiring toward greater things.
The Lord added to the church and a larger building was needed for worship service. The pastor, along with church membership obtained a larger building located at 537 Alisal Street. Services were held there until 1967. The church grew both spiritually, and in membership. So much so, that the Pastor and Elders decided to purchase property, this is the current site of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. Under the able leadership of Pastor Hooks, the first church building was purchased at 563 Roosevelt Street, Salinas, California.
Reverend Hooks gave Mount Nebo eight years of untiring, selfless service, and will always be remembered as our first pastor. He served with distinction until March of 1973, resigning and moving his pastoralship to Pacific Grove, California, to become the pastor of Community Baptist Church.
On June 28, 1973, the Reverend Willie B. White, an Associate Minister of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of San Jose, California, was called to pastor Mount Nebo. On July 1, 1973, Reverend White accepted the call. Through his inspired leadership, a building permit was granted and on August 19, 1975 the foundation of a new church was laid. On the second Sunday in November 1975, opening services were held in the new building. Reverend White gave Mount Nebo nine years of faithful, dedicated service. He tendered his letter of resignation in December 1982.
March 1983, Reverend Al Davis, an Associate Minister of Mount Nebo was called as her third pastor. Reverend Davis accepted the call and was installed in May 1983. During Pastor Davis’ leadership the church has grown. The church purchased vehicles and implemented a Bus Ministry. Many souls have been saved, many people have been baptized and two Spanish Churches have been planted out of Mt. Nebo, one being Christiana Communidad De Fe (Christian Community of Faith), pastored by Alejandro Musumeci. In November, 2015, Reverend Al Davis announced his plans to retire. On April 30, 2016, Pastor Davis retired. The Lord truly blessed Mt. Nebo Baptist Church during the thirty-three years of Reverend Al Davis’ leadership. His service to the Lord and to the church will forever be remembered. On July 12, 2016, the Trustee Board announced our beloved Reverend Al Davis as Emeritus Pastor.
On January 29, 2016, a vote was conducted by the Trustee Board and Elder Anthony Davis, an associate minister, was elected as the next pastor. On May 15, 2016, Elder Anthony Davis, was installed as her fourth pastor. Under his leadership our church website, Facebook page, and YouTube platforms was updated. The Church was painted, and new doors installed.
In the year of 2020 a Pandemic hit our nation and our church doors were forced closed. However, our Pastor NEVER missed a beat!! He quickly went to live streaming to keep in contact with his members and the outside world. He utilized Zoom for Bible Study and Sunday School. With God’s help we all stayed connected!
After much prayer and faith in God, on October 2, 2023, keys were attained to a new worship center. We dedicated the church back to God on October 27, 2023 and on October 29, 2023 we held our first church services. Looking forward, our hearts are filled with excitement and anticipation as we have transitioned to our current location. We believe that God has amazing plans in store for us, and this move signifies, the new start of a new chapter in our spiritual journey. With faith as our compass, and unity as our strength, we eagerly embrace opportunities, and challenges that await us. May God continue to speak to us through His word.
Humbly Submitted,
Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of Salinas