HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-24-0014 Mt. OIivette MBC LetterMt. Olivette Missionary Baptist
EST. 1912
1450 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33136
January 14, 2024
Mrs. Isiaa Jones
Interim Executive Director
Omni Community Redevelopment Agency
Dear Mrs. Jones,
1
Since 1912, Mt. Olivette Missionary Baptist Church Miami has been serving the community as
one of the oldest churches in Historic Overtown. See History in AppendixA
Our desire to partner with the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA) is crucial
for the much -needed restoration, renovation and revitalization of our Church and Educational
Community Center. We have a shared goal to enhance the quality of life for residents and
eliminate blight in our Redevelopment Area. Our congregation is exciting about the opportunity
to have a greater impact of providing life -changing services, increasing employment
opportunities, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a secure neighborhood.
We hereby submit this letter to request fund in the amount of $1,535,525.
Construction Proposal
Architectural & Engineering
Permit Fees (master & sub -permits)
Impact fees
WASD fees/Connection Charges
Sidewalk Repairs/Replacement
Asbestos Survey/Mitigation (if needed)
Insurance and Bonds
Total
Contingency (7.5%)
Total Project Budget Cost
$1,325,525
$80,000
$30,000 estimated
$0 (None anticipated)
$15,000 estimated
$10,000
$15,000 estimated
$60,000 estimated
$1,535,525
$1,535,525
We look forward to hearing that the project is funded which will significantly improve our historic
building and restore a place of hope for the community.
Sincerely,
Trina Harris
trina@touchingmiamiwithlove.org 786-877-4503
•
Appendix A
On Sunday, October 12, 1912, Reverend S. A. Sampson along with eight other people met at his
brother's, Nathaniel, cottage in the Eriksson Addition (presently known as 4th Court and NW
19th Street). Also, in attendance was his wife, Margaret Sampson and their two daughters,
Louise and Irene. The charter members were: Julia_ Dean, Ellen Ward, Albert Taylor, Remalia
Ellis, George Taylor, Richard Johnson, Nathanial Sampson, and Francis Smith. The decision was
made to organize a church and name it Mt. Olivette Union Baptist Church.
Because of the dynamic leadership of Reverend S. A. Sampson, the congregation grew. Services
until 1915 were held in Mrs. Powell's School. The new edifice was built on Waddell Street and
1st Court. In 1916, a belfry tower bell was put in a pine tree, but the storm of 1928 swept the
steeple down. In 1926, the name was changed to Mt. Olivette Missionary Baptist Church. In
1932, Reverend S. A. Sampson was elected pastor for life.
From Mt. Olivette sprang many other Baptist Churches and two associations -Florida East Coast
and Atlantic Coast. Reverend S. A. Sampson was founder of and moderator for the Atlantic
Coast Baptist Association until his death (July 4, 1949).
In 1950, Reverend I. C. Mickens was installed as pastor. In 1952, the city of Miami endorsed a
new building code. While the work was being done the roof fell in and the church had to be
rebuilt. But there was little money to rebuild the church. Under the awesome leadership of
Pastor Mickens, who was also the chief builder, construction started within a week.
The new sanctuary was completed in 1959 and the mortgage was burned in 1963.
Reverend I. C. Mickens resigned from pastor ship of Mt. Olivette in 1969.
Reverend Franklin R. Clark, Missionary Pastor for the Atlantic Coast Baptist Church, served as
interim pastor until July 1, 1979. Sunday, August 12, 1979 he was installed as the pastor and still
remains. In 1985, the Sunday school expansion building was named after two notable men -the
late Deacon John Dawkins and the late Brother Gary Ward. The Dawkin-Ward Educational
Center has been used as a Pre -School, Bible School, and as Community Resource Center in the
past.
Mr+ OLIVETTE
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