MGMBC History

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church stands on more than a century of faith, sacrifice, and community. Since our founding in 1913, we’ve grown from a small congregation in southeast Ellis County into a thriving church family committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our history is preserved not only through cherished memories and oral tradition but also through careful written records. Each generation continues the work of honoring those who gave sacrificially to keep the lights on and the doors open—so that souls could be saved and lives transformed. Our story is a living testimony of faith in action.

 

From Friendship to Mt. Gilead

In 1913, the Friendship Baptist Association purchased land on Harris Street in Italy, Texas, to establish Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. A humble church building was soon constructed, serving as a spiritual beacon in Ellis County.

Early leaders included Deacon Henry Wilson and family, the George Shaw Family, and the Reeves Williams Family. Over the next 25 years, more families joined, including the Walker, Reedy, Cummings, Kirby, Stafford, Bell, Smith, and Wilson families.

 

Women and Men of Purpose

From the beginning, women of the church played a powerful role in ministry—establishing what would become our Women’s Missionary Society. Through fundraising efforts like fish fries, quilting, and crafts, they helped meet the needs of the church and mission field.

The men of the church maintained the building and grounds, always ready with a helping hand and a heart for service—demonstrating God’s love in action.

 

A New Name and Renewed Mission

In 1949, under the leadership of Rev. Alex Austin Wilcots, the church was rebuilt and renamed Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. This marked a powerful new chapter, rooted in the same deep faith but prepared for greater ministry.

 

Seasons of Growth and Leadership

Over the decades, many pastors shepherded our church family:

• Rev. David Green (Late 1950s–1970s) led the church through a building project and ushered in a new sanctuary with the help of Rev. L.A. Dickens and church youth.
   

• Rev. Hyman Roscoe Square (1976–2001) served for nearly 26 years—the longest tenure in our history. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and physically. He expanded facilities, strengthened ministries, and left a lasting impact on both the church and the Italy community. Today, our fellowship hall bears his name.
   

• Rev. Steven L. Woods (2002–2006) continued the work with dedication to preaching and pastoral care.
   

• Rev. Preston Eric Dixon (2006–Present) brought fresh vision, outreach, and growth. Under his leadership, Mt. Gilead built and moved into a beautiful new sanctuary in 2013. His passion for service, community involvement, and biblical teaching continues to inspire and guide us.
   

 

A Family of Believers

Mt. Gilead is blessed with generations of faithful families—many of whom have worshiped here for decades. From founding families to new believers, our church remains a place where faith is nurtured, lives are changed, and God is glorified.

Our Board of Deacons, both seasoned and emerging leaders, serve with excellence and humility. They balance professional lives with their calling to lead and serve the church with integrity and faithfulness.

 

A Future Rooted in Faith

The same spirit that built a church on Harris Street in 1913 still lives within us today. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to the mission of Christ—reaching the lost, discipling believers, and serving our community with love.

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We are Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church.

And by God’s grace, we’re just getting started.