Deaconess:

The first official Chairperson of the Deaconess fellowship was Laura Dudley, elected in 1894. Succeeding Chairpersons were Essie Rickman in 1912, Elizabeth Parker in 1936, Rosabelle Gray and Marie Henderson in 1974, Georgia Warren in 1978 and 1989, Clara Anderson in 1986 and 1991, Phyllis Gray in 1993-1998, Rudell Williams in 1998-2002, Mildred Simmons 2002-2006. Madeline Franklin is the present chairperson.

The Deaconess ministry prepare Holy Communion and assist candidates for baptismal. They also provide guidance and counseling, teach Sunday School, bible study, and Vacation Bible School . In addition, they also participate in various seminars and conventions to aid in their ministry to others.

Under the Pastorate of Dr. Raymond Dean, the following Deaconesses were elected to the Deaconess Ministry: Eliza Howard, December 14, 1973; Flossie Alston, July 17, 1974; Laura Hines and Genelle Smith in December 1976; and Ella Houston, 1979. Lendora Whitaker, Hazel Gray and Gertrude Burton were elected in June 1989 and in November 1989, Catherine McCullers and Joanna Wadley. In 1981, Phyllis Gray, 1984 Susie Howell and Christine Jordan were elected to the Board of Deaconess. Mildred Simmons, Carolyn Willis, Viola Goodman and Yvette Reese were elected in 1991. Deaconess Louise Lee was elected Church Mother in 1979. Deaconess Estelle Otey was elected Church Mother in 1991. In 1994 Doris Collins, Bertha Bond, Christine Taylor, Valerie Otey, Valerie Briggs, and Cheryl Boone were elected to the Board of Deaconess. In 1995 Rudell Williams and Terry Doctor were elected Deaconess.

Under the Pastorate of Dr. Shelton Murphy the following Deaconess were elected to the Deaconess Ministry Madeline Franklin, Margaret Boykin, Donna Ash,

Rita Bowen, Muriel Evans, Janice House and Valerie Johnson October 2002;Ordean Bond January 2003; Pauline Sweatt 2004; Wanda Phillips and Jean Peterson April 2005. New Deaconess in Training April 16, 2009: Greta McCray, Trina Peters and Glynnis Preston.

October 17, 2002 ten Deaconess became Deaconess Emeritus: Viola Goodman, Laura Hines, Eliza Howard, Joanna Wadley, Christine Jordan, Susie Howard, Gertrude Burton, Catherine McCuller, Christine Taylor and Mattie Jones. Deaconess Emeritus added 2009, Bertha Bond and Rudell Williams-Joynes.

In 1985, Clara Anderson and Lendora Whitaker organized the New Membership Fellowship Hour for 1984 new members. This fellowship was held on the first Sunday of each new year. It is now held the first Saturday monthly.

In 1992 Deaconess Mildred Simmons was the first female appointed to the Board of Trustees. The Deaconess, under the leadership of Chairperson Mildred Simmons, focused on Kingdom Building in many ways that included Annual Angel Tree Project…bless children of incarcerated parents with tracts, toys, clothing, personal items, the assistance of other ministries, donated toiletries, paper products, personal items, health and beauty aides, etc. monthly to women and children in battered homeless and abused women shelters. The Deaconess Ministry distributed appreciation gift bags to the women in the church on Mother's Day, appreciation gift bags to the men in the church on Father's Day, candy cane stockings to membership at Christmas Eve service made a monetary donation to assist in the renovation of a local battered women shelter. The Deaconess Ministry assisted local families with monetary and clothing donations, Baby dedication gifts, honor Deaconess emeritus with appreciation dinner during the holiday season and host an Annual fellowship with the women of the church. The Deaconess Ministry seeks to continue this “Spirit of excellence” and more with Chairperson, Deaconess Madeline Franklin.

In 2008, a new visions was cast by our Pastor, Dr. Shelton Murphy , for the Caring Ministry of the Deacons & Deaconess. That vision was “The Twelve Tribes of Mount Gilead .” The vision allows each disciple of our growing congregation to be placed in one of the Twelve Tribes according to the month of their birthday. Two Deacons & Two Deaconess have been assigned over each tribe to provide caring & intentional ministry for the growing disciples of our congregation. This creates greater coverage, caring and connection between the Deacons & Deaconess Ministry and the members of our congregation. In addition to the monthly calls & Birthday cards sent, there is a Quarterly Birthday Celebration that is enjoyed by those Tribes & Tribal Leaders for that given quarter. This of course provides greater opportunity for fellowship & connection between the growing disciples and the Tribal Leaders (Deacons & Deaconess). This caring ministry of the Deacons & Deaconess is a great blessing to both our Pastor & the congregation. For the old adage is true... people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. And it is certainly the aim, vision, purpose and mission focus of the Deacons & Deaconess Ministry to faithfully provide caring, nurturing and loving support to all of the growing disciples whom God has graciously entrusted to our care for such a time as this. And finally Jesus said in John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. KJV

Junior Deaconess:

The Junior Deaconess Ministry is inactive. However, the first Official Chairperson of the Junior Deaconess was Sis. Tomisha Adkisson. The present Junior Deaconess consist of: Sis. Erika Swindell, Sis. Marisa Phillips, Sis. Jamila Jordan, Sis. Mia Banks, Sis. Cheryl Hayes and Sis. Audreyale Gillians.

Trustees:

The Ministry of Trustees of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church is responsible for the care and maintenance of all Church property. Historically the Trustees have been responsible to the Pastor, Deacon Ministry, and the Church body. On April 13, 1927, the first Trustees were appointed and included: James E. Epps, M. E. Alexandra, W.H. Brown and C. H. Brown. Former Chairpersons of the Ministry of Trustees include: Archie Bailey, Raymond Norman, John B. Ackiss. Raleigh Goodman and Willet Moore, The current Chairman of the Ministry of Trustees is James K. Phillips, who was elected January 2000. Trustees Paula Shaw and Mildred Simmons were the first women to be appointed to the Ministry of Trustees on December 9, 1992. Current Trustee: Charlie Bond, Eugene Cooper, Gerald Harrell, Harry Jones, Linwood McGlone, Marvin Miller, Leon Pierre, Lee Robinson, Paula Shaw, Vincent Shaw, Charlie P. Simmons, Mildred Simmons, Crosby Taylor, Vivian White, Charlie Wilson, Vanessa Walker, Willet Moore, Rita Bowen and Charles Peek. The Trustees of Mt. Gilead thank Father God and we thank the Mount Gilead Baptist Church family for allowing us to serve in this Branch of Zion.

Missionary:

The first Missionary Circle of the church was organized in 1895. The first president was Mrs. Laura Dudley. On April 22, 1956, the circle was named in honor of two devoted and dedicated sisters: Rosa Holmes and Miss Vora Holley. Now known as Mason and Holmes Missionary Circle. Other Missionary Presidents were Sisters: Ella Edler, Mable James and Lendora Whitaker, Juanita Hicks, Sylvia Carson. Current President of Mason and Holmes is Dorothy Webb.

There are two other Circles: The Youth and Young Adult Missionary organized April 16, 1974 by Sis. Jessie Dean. The former presidents were: Vernell M. Gray, Sharon Butts, Theresa Hodges, Volara Ledford, Vivian Owens, Marquita Westray, Yolanda Jones, Tomisha Adkisson and Erin Carr. Advisors Sis. Vernell M. Gray, Sis. Debra J. Moore and Sis. Peaches V. Woodard. The John R. Gray’s Missionary Circle, organized January 9, 1975 in honor of former pastor Dr. John R. Gray. The President is Mrs. Laura Patton.

Ushers:

The History of the Ushers began when Mount Gilead Church was located on Third Street now known as Clement Street and Swells Point Road. Hearing the call to serve, the late Brother Ephraim Scott was the first Usher. Although alone, he remained obedient for many years. Brother Scott was later joined by the late Brother George Epps and John Bakers Ville. As the church grew, Brother Scott organized the first combined Male and Female Ushers. This Ministry became known as the No. 1 Ushers Ministry.
The No. 1 Ushers Ministry originated from the members of the Male and Female Ushers Ministry in the later 1930’s. The group consisted of older ladies, most of whom were wives of the Deacons. The late Sister Rosa Holmes was the First President, followed by the late Sister Christine Walker Taylor, the late Carrie Edler and Annie Lamb. The No. 1 Ushers Ministry served diligently until infirmities and the aging process forced the Ministry’s decline. In the late 1950’s, several younger ladies joined the Ministry and gave the Ministry the support it needed.
The No. 1 Ushers Ministry now has diverse membership and serves on the Third Sunday of each month. The No. 1 Ushers Ministry has served as a financial builder of the church. Past Presidents are: Sister Willa Cooper (1993-1994), Sister Hazel Blount (1994-1998), late Brother Charles Dillard, (1998-1999) and
Sister Evelyn Pollard. The current President is Sister Edna Ford.
The No. 2 Ushers Ministry was organized in 1942 to establish a Female Usher’s Ministry that served on the first Sundays. The organizers of the No. 2 Ushers Ministry were Sisters Pauline Hart, President: (and the late) Carrie Goodman, Vice-president: Ella Elder, Secretary: Canary McGlone, Lillian Newman, Beatrice Clone Scott and Evenly Preston, members. The Ministry was responsible for the purchase of the Christian and United State Flags, two collection tables, a stainless steel pitchers set for the Pulpit, furniture for the Usher’s room and musical chimes. The chimes could be heard throughout the community on Sunday mornings.
In 1977, Sister Katherine Harrell succeeded Sister Pauline Hart. In 1994 under Sister Harrell tenure the No. 2 Ushers Ministry