Our History

After the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of the Civil War, families of color settled in various communities around Arlington. Moses Pelham, Sr., was born in Culpeper, Virginia, and moved to Arlington around 1871. He bought one acre of land northeast of Hall’s Hill from Robert Phillips, and married Isabella Washington on August 5, 1874. Moses Pelham, Sr., bought the acre adjacent to his property in 1893, and upon his death it was subdivided for his six children. As his offspring, built houses on their properties, the area was known informally as Pelham Town.

According to church history, Reverend Cyrus Carter organized the Mount Salvation Baptist congregation, and they began meeting at the house of Moses Pelham, Sr. On June 7, 1884, the trustees of the church (including Moses Pelham, Sr., Washington Jones, Bonaparte Moten, Harrison King, and Horace Shelton) purchased a one-acre site from Brazil and Francis Hall for $80. A written history created by church leadership states that the congregation erected a small, temporary church on the property shortly following this purchase, although Highview Park Preservation Staff was unable to find any additional information about this building. There have been two permanent church buildings on the property. The first was a gable-end frame church constructed ca. 1892 and the second existing building, discussed in detail below, was constructed in 1975 to replace the demolished 19th century church building.

The Mt. Salvation Baptist Church was founded in 1879 at the residence of Brother Moses Pelham, in Pelham Town, Virginia. it’s also documented that Sister Hattie Pelham, Brothers Washington Jones, Bonaparte Moten, Horace Shelton, and Harrison King held prayer and praise services in various homes in Pelham Town and Chesterbrook. Their desire to have a more stable place of worship became a reality when Brother Pelham purchased the present plot of land, and the first Church was erected in 1887. At that time, they were officially established as a church by the Rev. Cyrus Carter of Lincolnville, VA, assisted by Sister Julia Bolden Porter. With this accomplishment, a leader was needed, and Rev. Joseph Matthews was called as their first Pastor. The Church also served as the area school which later became the John M. Langston School.

In 1890, Rev. Albert Catlett succeeded Rev. Matthews and the Church was enlarged during his stay which ended in 1905. Little is known of the work of Rev. Randolph Peyton, who came as the next Pastor. Many of those who accepted Christ as their Savior were baptized in the Creek at Thriftown, formally known today as Lee Highway (now known as Langston Boulevard) and Kirkwood Road, while others were baptized in the water at the lower end of North Edison Street. The building was further enlarged during the Pastorate of Rev. Chinnor Coleman, DD (1905-1917). A baptismal pool was also installed. During Rev. James Fortune’s pastorate (1917-1921) electric lights were installed as a gift from the Sunday School. Rev. W.A. Gray (1921-1931) was called, and the Senior Usher Board was organized during that time.

Amongst the great leaders of the Church, in its earlier days were stable and stalwart Deacons, Laymen and Workers such as Brothers Gilbert Robinson, Clarence Green, Thomas Myers, Charles Clark, and Joseph Webster; Sisters Sarah Webster Jones and Maria Moten. Still later, Brothers Moses Pelham, Jr., Burrell Pelham, Willis Spriggs, Alexander Page, Abraham Williams and Robert Elliott. Deacon William Pelham, (grandson of Brother Moses Pelham, Sr.), became a member of the Deacon Board in 1925. He succeeded the late Deacon Solomon Davis as Chairman. In 1972, Deacon Edward Garnett succeeded Deacon Pelham followed by Deacon Harry Strother, Sr., in 1975. Deacon William Johnson succeeded Deacon Strother in 1976. Deacon Fred Bowles is the current Chairman. Deacon Pelham held the title as the oldest Deacon in length of service. He was named “Chairman Emeritus” and “Father of the Church.” In 1972 God called Deacon George Davis from labor to reward. In 2003 “Father Pelham” was called from labor to reward.

Other notable deceased Deacons include Deacon Robert Anthony, Deacon Harry Strother, Sr., Deacon Thomas Vaughn, and Deacon George Carter, Sr., Deacon George Carter, Jr., Deacon Melson Porter (Chairman), Deacon James Anthony and Deacon Ben H. Moody, Sr. and Deacon John Saunders.

Notable earlier Deaconesses include : Deaconess Elinor Chinn (Chairlady), Deaconess Luida Daniels (Chairlady), Deaconess Amanda Lewis (Chairlady), Deaconess Frances Pelham, Deaconess Willie Jean Moody (Chairlady), Deaconess Edith Hansborough, Deaconess Marie Thompson, Deaconess (Minister) Shirley Henderson, Deaconess Daisy Johnson, Deaconess Margaret Richardson, Deaconess Louella Garnett, Deaconess Kate Robinson. The current Chairlady is Deaconess Sharon Pope.

Some of the notable earlier Trustees were Brothers Frederick Ewell, Abraham Williams, William Jackson, James Roberson, Solomon Davis (Chairman), William Jones, Clovis Chinn, Fred Davis, James Williams, Lawrence Williams, Sr., Louis Jones, Thomas Otey, Granderson Clark, Melvin Leach, Ebert Lewis, Cortelyou Hansborough, Joseph Taylor, Sr., Elmer Craig, Jesse Thompson, Howard Pullen, Sr., James Cooper, Howard Pullen, Jr., James Pelham and Sisters Eunice Carter and Callie Chandler, Harry Strother, Jr., Connie Gregory, Terry Brown and Vonda Richardson. Trustee Lawrence Williams, Jr. is the present Chairman.

Earlier Church Clerks were Brothers William Hungerford, Addison Williams, and Nathaniel Jones; Sisters Lucretia Lewis, Caroline Whaley, Idabel G. Jones, Mildred Green, Shirley Strother-Henderson, Evelyn Hendrick Fortune. Deaconess Portia Haskins is the current Clerk.

Previous Sunday School Superintendents were Brothers Horace Shelton, William Hun- gerford, Thomas Thompson, D.B. Anderson, and Fred Ewell. Sister Caroline Whaley, Rev. James E. Browne, Sr., Sisters Idabel Jones, Ethel Thompson, Nathaline Richardson and Sister Virginia Slack is the present Superintendent.

Treasurers were Brothers William Jones, Robert Elliott, Alexander Page, Solomon Davis, Thomas Vaughn, Howard Pullen, Sr., George Vaughn, Sr., Sister Callie Chandler and currently Trustee Jeanette Huffman.

Our Financial Secretaries were Sisters Amelia Page Edwards, Wanda Sue Moody, Velta Pelham, Pearl Daniel and currently Virginia Slack.

Earlier Organists and Pianists were Sisters Elizabeth Williams, Sarah Spriggs Douglas, Vandoria Moten Tyre, Ruth Ward, Edith Hansborough, Bernice Anthony, Rosalyn Jones Harris, Juanita Ratliff, Gloria Powell, Kathryn Young, Ilona Epperson, Joyce Dawkins, Wanda Sue Moody, Trustee Lawrence Williams, Sr., Rev. Edren Bryan, Sister Joyce Dawkins, Sister Betty Green, Brother Kevin Taylor, Brother Kenneth Epperson, Jr, Brother Ashley Johnson, Brother Archie Borgus, Brother Charles Merriweather and Dr. Scott Edwin Taylor.
Drummers included Brothers Ben Moody, Jr., Calvin Faggins, Terris Gregory, Kenneth Epperson, Jr and Micah Gregory. Guitarist included Brother Kenneth. Epperson, Sr., and Trustee Connie Gregory.

Some of the earlier choir leaders and singers were Brother Abraham Williams, Sisters Marion Mooney, Marie Byrd, Ruth Spinner, Eva Smith, Alberta Robinson, Deacon Ben H. Moody, Sr. and Deaconess Willie Jean Moody.

Earlier Ushers Board presidents were Sisters Elizabeth Johnson, Sarah Spriggs Douglas, Hylinda Bowles, Clovis Chinn, Gertrude Spriggs, Katie Spriggs, Patience Spriggs, Idabell Jones, Bessie Clark, Bessie Peters, Helen Webb (who held the title of “President Emeritus”), Brothers Melvin Leach and James Pelham, Sister Linda Allen (deceased), Sister Dorothy Robinson, Deacon Frank Terry. Trustee Terry Brown is the current president.

Rev. N.R. Richardson succeeded Rev. Gray and served from 1931 to 1966. Upon Dr. Richardson’s arrival, there were only a few organizations including the Deacon Board, the Trustee Board, Deaconess Board, the Sunday School, the Senior Choir and Senior Usher Board. During his pastorate, thirteen more Auxiliaries were organized including The Male Chorus, he appointed the late Deacon Ben H. Moody, Sr. as President which he proudly served for 35 years. One could see that great progress; spiritual and material gain was accomplished during his stay. The membership greatly increased, an electric organ, tower chimes and stained-glass windows were installed, along with a new piano, new pews, pulpit furniture, carpeting, wall paintings, and a complete new lower auditorium. Various individuals and Auxiliaries helped in making this possible. The Church in its entirety was remodeled, including a stone front. Dr. Richardson served well for thirty-five years and five months, until God saw fit to call his servant home.

For fifteen months the Church was without a leader, being served by different ministers until the calling of Rev. John B. Howard. During his Administration, Deacon William Johnson and Deacon James Waters were ordained. Deacon Robert Elliott and Deacon Noba Leviston were restored to the Deacon Board. Since that time God saw fit to call Deacon Elliott home from labor to reward.

Under Rev. Howard’s pastorate, six choirs had places in the Sunday Morning Services: The Senior Choir, Voices of Harmony and Royal Echoes (which are now known as the N.R. Richardson Sanctuary Choir), Youth Chorus Choir (which are now known as the Celestial Voices and the Angel Voices), Gospel Chorus and Male Chorus. Several new services came into being, namely Deacons’ and Deaconess’ Day, Women’s Day, Men’s Day, and Youth Day. During this time the Nurses Unit was organized with Sister Elizabeth Jackson as the First President. Past Presidents include Sisters Margaret Crone, Elsie Sharpe, and Mary Porter. The current President is Sister Lilly Gregory. Also, during this time the Men’s Brotherhood was organized. Bro Leonard Frazier was the first President and was later succeeded by Deacon Lawrence Goode. New Hymnals and new chairs were purchased. Air Conditioning was installed. The Power Pull Club donated a new Public Address System to the Church. It was also during the Administration of Rev. Howard that God saw fit to provide us with a new building.

Mt. Salvation now enjoys a beautiful luxurious sanctuary with plush pews and central air conditioning. In memory of Dr. Richardson’s dream of a new building , the Church ‘s Prayer Chapel has been named in his honor The N.R. Richardson Prayer Chapel which is located at the left of the lobby of the Church is furnished with pews from the original Church. The new edifice houses a board room, finance room, choir rooms, church school, ladies lounge, several rest rooms, Secretary’s office, Pastor’s study and office, and a large fully equipped kitchen. The large auditorium or lower Church is named Pelham Hall, commemorating the memory of Brother Moses Pelham, who purchased and donated the plot of land on which Mount Salva- tion now stands. Rev. Howard left in September 1977.

For eighteen months Mt. Salvation was again without a Pastor. In March 1979 the Rev. Fred L. Pretty was elected pastor.. During his first year, the membership and the attendance increased. The offering each Sunday was higher than ever in the history of the church. The Pastor’s Aide Club was reorganized, a new system of offering giving was instituted. The chimes from the old church were installed and the original cornerstones were put into the front of the Church. The following groups were organized: Christian Education, The Athletic Department (this department consisted of a Bowling and Baseball team), The Birthday Club and The Young Adult and Youth Department.

It was in the year of 1979, God called two of the Deaconesses from labor to reward, Deaconess Anna Harrington and Deaconess Pansy Anthony. Other deceased Deaconess include Sisters Lucretia Lewis, Eleanor Chinn (Chairlady), Cora Leach, Annie Baskins, Mother N.R. Richardson, Catherine Penny, Ada Woods, Lida Daniels (Chairlady), Idella Carter, Virginia Goode, Frances Pelham, Katie Robinson, Mattie Vaughn, Edith Hansborough, Amanda Lewis (Chairlady), Willie Jean Moody (Chairlady) and Lue Ella Garnett. Deaconess Sharon Pope is the current Chairperson of the Deaconess Board.

Mt. Salvation is proud of the following Sons and Daughters of the church : Rev. Clarence C. Gray (deceased), Rev. James E. Browne (deceased), Rev. Larney King (deceased), Rev. Norris Burrell (deceased), Rev. Leonard Frazier, Rev. Edren Bryan, Minister Ralph Pierce (deceased) Rev. Larry Summers, Rev. James Powell, Jr., and Apostle Barbara Vaughan. Our Associate Ministers included: Rev. Edward Daniels (deceased), Minister George Gaskins, Jr., Rev. Harvey Henderson (deceased), Minister Shirley Henderson (deceased), Minister Franklin Brewer (deceased), Rev. Booker Taylor (deceased) and Rev. Phillip Taylor. In January 1997, Rev. Pretty was called from labor to reward . The church was again without a leader for three years.

In August 2000 the Rev. Joseph Smith became Pastor for four years. During his tenure he baptized more than 30 new members. He instituted a new system of offering. A new Organ was purchased, and a new sound system was installed. The typewriters were replaced with computers. Rev. Smith’s incumbency ended in April of 2004.

In 2005, Reverend Richard O. Green, Sr. served as Interim Pastor. During his tenure a new piano was purchased. Reverend Green assumed the duties of a full time Pastor until the calling of the church’s next Pastor.

Reverend Elias Wells Fitcheard, Jr. was elected Pastor of Mt. Salvation on Tuesday, December 27, 2005. Under his leadership he has brought the church theme, ‘The Church where the Bible comes alive’. His vision was “to win souls for Christ and teach the congregation about the Plan for Salvation”. His plan was “to establish a strong outreach ministry.” During Reverend Fitcheard’s tenure as pastor, Mt. Salvation partnered with Second Baptist Church of Falls Church and participated in a successful Walk-A-Thon entitled “Footsteps for Christ”. The event enabled donations to be made to homeless shelters in Arlington and Falls Church, Virginia. Also, under Reverend Fitcheard’s leadership, Mt. Salvation saw the implementation of two new Trustees, four Deacons and five Deaconesses. A Praise Team and a worship dance group was formed in 2009. The Welcoming Committee was also formed. Reverend Fitcheard resigned on April 24, 2016.

In June 2016, Apostle Diane Ross Brown performed the duties of an Interim Pastor until 2017 when Rev. Dr. Lee A. Earl became the official elected interim pastor for 1 year. Upon completion of his 1 year of service as Interim Pastor, he was elected and installed in 2018 as the pastor where he served faithfully until his sudden death in July of 2020.

From March 2020 through January of 2021, Mt. Salvation continued virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September 2021, Reverend Roy Thomas was elected the interim pastor. That month a Homecoming Service was held on the church parking lot on the 2nd Sunday and on the 4th Sunday, Communion Service was held also on the church parking lot. In October 2021, Mt. Salvation had its first Virtual Fall Revival.

Under Reverend Thomas’ leadership, on January 3, 2022, Mt. Salvation reopened for in- person Worship after being closed for two years.

Mt. Salvation had its first Tent Spring Revival on the Parking lot in April of 2022.

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