Church History

The name given to the church was Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church and the first Pastor Rev. Pratt served for one year in a rented store front on Hamilton Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Following Pastor Pratt was Pastor Elliot who served from 1918 – 1920. Pastor William F. Early served from 1920 – 1923. From 1924 – September 1929 Pastor R.S. Jones served. Pastor Dotson served as Pastor from 1929 – 1938. Pastor Norman E. James served for one year in 1938. Rev. J.R. Hill served as Pastor from 1939 – 1941.

The membership continued to increase and for the first time it was necessary to find a larger building. Mt. Nebo moved to a church building on 30th street. The church continued to grow which made it necessary to seek an even larger place to worship. In 1942 our former place of worship at 3044 Cedar Ave. was purchased under the leadership of Pastor Day who served until Pastor Booker T. Nelson came to Mt. Nebo in 1949 and faithfully served the community and the church for 33 years. Our motto then became “A Church for All People”

On Sunday, October 17, 1965 we moved into our present place of worship at 12701 Superior Ave., East Cleveland Ohio 44112. We were the first black Baptist Church located in East Cleveland at that time. Under Pastor B.T. Nelson’s leadership we contributed to the “Seed Church” program of the Foreign Mission and we acquired a program on WABQ Radio Station.

Our next Pastor Ernest L. Thompson Sr. was chosen to then spread the Gospel through the radio program. Pastor Thompson began his Pastorate in November 1982, and under his leadership the church continued to grow. By 1985, we paid off the mortgages for both the church and the apartment building in 1987 we purchased the lot on the corner of North Lockwood from the City of East Cleveland which is now available for parking. The mortgage for the parsonage has been paid off. During the years, the men of Mt. Nebo have worked diligently to tend to the upkeep of the properties. The interior of the parsonage was renovated from the attic to the basement, including the installation of handicap accommodation. Due to our efforts in the Foreign Mission, there are three schools in Africa that we have helped to build. In August of 2018 Deacon Bolton and his crew which included Deacon Reginald Kinds, installed beautiful new tile in the upper and lower front lobby of the church.

In March of 2020 Pastor Thompson made the decision to close the church because of a worldwide Pandemic (Covid 19) was spreading rapidly. The Building remained closed for 20 months but “Praise the Lord” the church through the modern technology of conference calls and zoom, we were able to worship every Sunday and conduct Bible Study, Sunday School and have auxiliary meetings.

During these 20 months the Deacons and some of the men of the church continued renovating and painting the church Sanctuary. The Food Bank continued to give out food to the community once a month via drive through. New carpeting was installed in the sanctuary. A Shutter door was installed on the rear door of the church along with other projects. We are in the process of adding new technology to our church, led by Deaconess Doris Redic.

Sadly on December 14, 2020 the Lord called our beloved Pastor Thompson home. Pastor Thompson served as our Pastor for 35 years. We shall always remember his outstanding leadership, his love for Jesus, his love for Mt. Nebo and the membership, and the passion he had for evangelism.
In July of 2022 the Elevator Lift was installed and new hardwood floors were installed in the old Pastor’s Study. And the walls newly painted. Truly God is in the Blessing Business.

On April 13,2024 after two years of a pastoral search, Mt. Nebo eleventh Pastor was installed, Mt. Nebo transitioned into it’s next season of ministry and service, on behalf of the Lord God Almighty by calling Rev. Dr. Gerald West-Phipps, to continue to proclaim God’s Holy Word, in the doctrine, faith and purpose, reclaiming God’s plan for His church and His People.