Historical Marker Installed for Mount Olive Holiness Pentecostal Church in Smyrna, Delaware

Mount Olive Holiness Pentecostal Church in Smyrna, Delaware, recently celebrated the installation of a new State of Delaware Historical Marker. The event took place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with participation from Stephen Marz, Director of the Delaware State Archives and State Archivist, Pastor Deborah Lewis, Representative William J. Carson, Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Joanne Masten, and members of the church congregation.

The historical marker commemorates the building at 139 N. East Street, which was originally constructed in 1876 by members of the Centennial Methodist Episcopal Church. This congregation was the first African American group to worship in the structure. The building later served as the meeting place for St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 7 from 1918 to 1935. Since 1935, it has been the home of the Mount Olive Holiness Pentecostal Church.

Founded in 1930 by Reverend Ancle A. Manns, the Mount Olive Holiness Pentecostal Church has worshipped at this location continuously since 1935. The church was included in the Smyrna Historic District in 1980 and added to the National Register of Historic Places. The installation of the historical marker recognizes the church’s long-standing presence and its role in the community’s history.

The Delaware Public Archives, which houses millions of records related to state and local governments, also plays a vital role in preserving genealogical and historical materials. These include census data, birth and death records, tax assessments, and private records such as family histories and church records. The archives serve as a resource for researchers and historians seeking to understand Delaware’s past.

The dedication ceremony highlighted the importance of preserving local history and acknowledging the contributions of religious institutions like Mount Olive Holiness Pentecostal Church. The event brought together community leaders, church members, and officials to honor the building’s legacy and its significance to the region.

The historical marker serves as a testament to the church’s enduring presence and its role in the community. It reflects the broader narrative of African American religious life and the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage. The church continues to worship at the site, maintaining its connection to the past while serving the present and future generations.

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