From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council approved a proclamation honoring Mt. Joy Baptist Church’s -Trussville 165th Anniversary at the council meeting on Tuesday, August 9.
According to a proclamation read by Councilmember Alan Taylor, Mt. Joy Baptist Church – Trussville is the “oldest African American Church in Jefferson County, Alabama, having begun its ministry to the “colored” community in 1857, predating the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.”
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The proclamation states that despite Mt. Joy’s humble beginnings during this bleak period in our nation’s history, this fellowship of believers persevered and held fast to their belief in worship and service to God, that judges all humanity, not by the color of their skin, but by the love, devotion, and dedication of his heart.
“It’s good when you’re recognized in the county and in the state, it’s better when the people that know you and live with you recognize you,” Pastor Larry Hollman said. “Our purpose at Mt. Joy is to spread the Gospel, spread love and harmony and peace, and to know only what we do for Christ will last. We will continue to be the citizens here in Trussville with this growing community. I hope we grow right along with you.”
Mt. Joy continues to be a thriving and adaptable church community here in Trussville.
Mt. Joy offers Dance Ministries, Puppet Ministry, Health Ministry, and spiritual retreats, among other creative programs, to keep its members deeply engaged in the church.
Mt. Joy continues to be a place for the afflicted to find comfort and solace, for the imperfect to find forgiveness and second chances, and the proud to find humility.
The citizens of the City of Trussville and Mt. Joy Baptist Church share a beautiful friendship because Mt. Joy has always been a great neighbor in our broader community.
The City Council of Trussville proclaims that the city recognizes the week of August 15-21 as Mt. Joy Baptist Church’s 165th Anniversary Week.
“On behalf of Mt. Joy, to the mayor, the council, and all the citizens of Trussville, we thank you for this honor,” Hollman said.