2020 & BEYONDThe Year of Connection and Celebration

Acts 2:42-47

Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church Newsletter

2020 EDITION

The Riceville Church History

The Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church was organized in a, “Brush Arbor,” on March 11, 1889, by Rev. John L. Lilly, with a membership of eight. The first members were: Isiach Jackson, Sophia Edwards, Mary Rice, Simmom McCode, Susie Marshall, Vinia Marshall, Rocksanna Rice and Diana Jackson. On October 11, 1889, a developer, John Ruby, donated land for the church and burial grounds on the back of Keegans Bayou. (The Riceville Cemetery is currently on the same property with the address of 9945 Honeywell Road). After several meetings and many discussions, Jake Rice, the longest community resident with eight members, decided Rev. John Lilly would be the official Pastor and the church was named Riceville. Rev. Lilly served as Pastor for twenty years until his death. He was succeeded by, Rev. I. Griffin, who served as the next Pastor of Riceville for sixteen years. During the year of 1916, the church was blown down by a storm. Rev. Griffin took on the task of constructing a larger Riceville church building during his tenure as Pastor. After the death of Rev. Griffin:

Rev. Lee Moton served as an interim Pastor for one year. Rev. J. C. Smith was elected and served as the Shepherd of Riceville for three years. Rev. Earl W. King held the pastoral position for nearly three years. Rev. Morris Goodman served as Pastor for four years. Rev. D. Pope served as interim Pastor for one year.

Rev. T. H. Shermann was called by Riceville and under his pastoralship, twelve feet of new construction was added to the Church building. The Christian Union was established and is a viable organization of the Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church today.

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Table of Contents

Riceville Church History 2

2019: by the numbers 4

Riceville CommunityOutreach 6

130th Church Anniversary 8

FestiVille 9

2020 & Beyond: Greetingsfrom our Pastor 10

Did You Know Girl Scout CEO 12 Miles Ministry 13

Saluting Riceville’s Own 14

Ministry Contacts 15

2020 Church Events 15

Due to health issues, Rev. Shermann resigned after seven years of loyal leadership. In 1942, Rev. Travis Spiller was called to serve as Pastor. In an effort to build the membership, Riceville church services were changed to every Sunday instead of the customary second and fourth Sundays. Continuing under the guidance of Rev. Spiller, a new Church building was erected in 1944 by Rev. C. H. Mitchell, son of Deacon John E. Mitchell. The church was fully paid-off in 1947. Rev. Spiller saw a need for a cafeteria and Rev. Mitchell constructed two stories of additional building space to the existing church edifice. The cafeteria was on the first floor and the second-floor was utilized for classrooms and other church accommodations. Upon the resignation of Rev. Spiller in 1953, Rev. C. L. Miller was called to Pastor Riceville, serving fourteen years before resigning in 1967.

In August of 1967, Rev. Joe D. Johnson was called as Pastor. On July 4, 1968, the church building was destroyed by fire, a total loss; only a Holy Bible was found in the ruins. After the devastating fire, Sunday church services were held in a house on the property of Riceville School Road, now known as 11231 South Gessner Road, (North Campus). Under the leadership of Rev. Johnson, a new church was built and the first service was held in May 1971. The church was paid-off in June 1974. Shortly after, in 1975, a house was moved on the premises, remodeled and used as the “Fellowship Hall”. All associated costs were paid off in April 1978. During the year of 1981, two church vans were purchased. In 1983 Riceville purchased property on South Breeze Drive for additional parking accommodations. During the same year, the front of the sanctuary was expanded by thirty feet. Property behind

the existing church was acquired in 1985, and later that year a mobile building was placed on site. It is presently used for auxiliary classrooms and meetings.

Due to continued church growth, in July 1986, Riceville acquired approximately ten acres of land on South Gessner for construction of a new church building. An additional seventeen acres (approximately) were purchased in September 1994, with a cash pay-off in 1996. Pastor Johnson’s vision of a larger Riceville had become a reality when construction of the new twenty-two thousand square feet building was completed on December 8, 2002. The new edifice doors were opened and the first

church service at 11539 South Gessner Road, (South Campus), was held on December 22, 2002, under the guidance of Rev. Johnson. The church building was paid-off eight years later. (The official, “Mortgage Burning Ceremony,” was held during Church Anniversary Service on Sunday, March 13, 2011). In September 2009, after forty-two years of dedicated service, Rev. Johnson retired from Senior Pastor to Pastor Emeritus.

Rev. Melvin E. Bates served as interim Pastor until August, 2010. Rev. Terry E. Mackey was called to serve as Sr. Pastor in the month of August of the same year. In November, 2010, Rev. Mackey was installed and under his pastoring,

church membership increased; the North Campus was remodeled and renamed the Joe D. Johnson, (JDJ) Center, currently utilized for Youth Church services, ministry gatherings, meetings, and community fellowship activities. Rev. Mackey initiated plans for construction of an “Impact Center,” to better serve the needs of the growing church and surrounding communities. Rev. Mackey served faithfully for eight-years until resigning in December, 2018.

In November of 2019 Rev. Dr. Calvin J. McFadden, Sr. was called to serve as Sr. Pastor of Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church. He commenced his pastoral ministry on February 1, 2020.

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by

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nu

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ers

Total Assets

Total Contributions

Visitors

226 75 29New Members Baptisms

Charles Randle 07/09/1949 05/03/2019Vera Abraham 11/23/1953 05/13/2019Curtis Johnson 11/16/1938 05/24/2019Dorothy Miller 02/28/1929 07/09/2019Darlene David 11/16/1950 07/20/2019Yolanda Anene 10/20/1957 07/27/2019Tremayne Scales 05/06/1977 07/30/2019Fred Merriwether 06/15/1924 08/10/2019

Babies born4

1Carmen & Antonio Mitchell

1/15/2019Kyrie WilliamsonParents: Ashley &

Christopher Williamson

1/19/2019Dylann Rose King

Parents: Bella Johnson &Toma King Jr.

7/29/2019D’Lea Maria Ford

Parents: Alexandria Dunwood & Raphael Ford

2/18/2019Praise Reagans-Davis

Parent: Cearah Reagans& Levy Davis

Wedding

Homegoings

$-

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000

$6,000,000

$7,000,000

$8,000,000

$9,000,000

$10,000,000

2019 2018

Automotive Equipment

Electronic Sign

Sound & Video Equipment

Furniture & Fixtures

Building Renovations

Phase II Construction

Building & Improvements

Land

Cash

$-

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

2019 2018

All Other Income

Impact Center BuildingFund

Tithes & Offering

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Rice

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The Riceville Food Pantry was for years operating out of a closet in the North Campus Annex building and now utilizes the Fellowship Hall. Food bags are made available to those who come for benevolent assistance the first Wednesdays of the month. It is open to all who need help with food. It is coordinated by devoted Leaders; Deacon Clarence Harper and Sister Joyce Harper.

Food Pantry helpers are: Sister Glenda Williams, Sister Glenda Kennedy, Brother James Harris, Sister Mae Johnson, Brother Freddie Green, Brother Tyrone Johnson, Brother Duane Gunter, Sister Penny Martin, Brother Sam Kennedy and Sister Debora Holloway.

The Food Pantry distributes non-perishable food items. Deacon Harper said, “We served about 300 families in 2019. We are thankful for all the volunteers, Kate Bell Elementary, Star of Hope Mission and our church members for their donations.”

Support the Riceville Food Pantry

Continuous canned and other non-pershishable food donations are always needed. Riceville members can bring donations and place them in the food pantry box (in the vestibule) at the Main Campus. There is a big food drive each year. Members and friends can bring donations for the “Souper Bowl of Caring” culminating on the Sunday of the NFL Super Bowl Game.

The Riceville Food Pantry

The Benevolent Committee original members were Pastor Joe D. Johnson, Deacon Charlie Lagway, Sister Mae Joyce Williams and Deacon Johnie Miller.

Currently, Sister Mae Joyce Williams is the head of the Benevolent Committee. She remarked, “The Deacons always wanted us to help those in need and asked me to work with the committee. I see the need and I enjoy it. We have some good people that work with us on the committee.” She is grateful for the volunteer members: Deacon Charlie Lagway, Sister Melva Harris, Deacon Ira Price, Sister Carolyn Payton, Sister Ramona Acklin, Deacon Aaron McMearn, Sister Krystle Iles and Sister Courtney Fuller.

Also, there is an encouraging word given and prayer rendered by Riceville Associate Minister Dennis Thomas. Thanks to Sister Gloria Powell-Johnson for personally providing a prepared meal along with praying for those seeking assistance.

The Procedure: Benevolent assistance is done by appointments only. Calls are received on the Riceville voicemail at 713-778-0992. Callbacks with appointment slots are done for those in need and any requesting Riceville member. The service is funded by the church budget and benevolent donations by members.

The Riceville Benevolent Committee

Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church has been reaching out to help people in need for decades. The Church continues to offer charitable assistance to persons and families in need in the southwest Houston area and vicinity with three (3) operational services. They are the 1) Benevolent Committee-Financial bill assistance, 2) The Food Pantry and 3) Riceville Clothes Closet. These services operate jointly at the Riceville North Campus /Joe D. Johnson Multi-Purpose Center (11231 S. Gessner Road) on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

We appreciate the onsite monthly security by HPD Officer Tanisha Jackson and our Riceville Church Security Leader, Officer Anthony Waddy.

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The Clothes Closet started in the late 1980’s as a Mission project under the direction of Pastor Joe D. Johnson by Circle #7 then President, Sister C.C. Hinton and Junior Mission then President, Sis. Velma Pete in order to provide clothing assistance to needy families and emergency crisis situations in our community.

Dedicated service has been given to operate the clothes closet by the late Deacon Ellsworth Williams, the late Sister Clementine “C.C.” Hinton, the late Sister Carolyn Fobbs-Lee and the late Sister Annie Lee Johnson. Thanks must also be given to those who gave support as well as prayer for the work, namely: Sister Esther Ransom, Sister Viva Carson, Brother Earl and Sister Alesa Joulevette, Sister Lola Jones, Sister Velma Pete, Sister Clarice Gray, Sister Bennie Johnson, Sister Brenda Harris, Sister Carolyn Williamson, Sister Fay & Brother Andrew Dunwood, Sister Connie Darby, Rev. & Sister Miles, The Bread of Life Inc., Riceville Ushers, and Team Equip-Women’s Ministry; as well as volunteers from Showcase Basketball Team, DeBakey High School-CSV, Christian Faith and Church Without Walls.

Currently, the Clothes Closet Team

consist of: Coordinator-Sister Alvies Carter, Assistant Coordinators: Sister Yvonne Pratt, Sister Mary Edjeren and Sister Mary Archer. There are some faithful, hard-working clothes closet volunteers: Lucretia Butler, Joyce McCowan, Dennis Thomas, Wanda Thomas, Gloria Powell-Johnson, Diane Williams, Dovie Ellis-Gardner, Joyce C. Kelly, Shirley Jones, Henry Pettis, Mae Payton, Norma Davis, Deacon Sylvester Thomas, Lorna Francis, Trustee L. James Wilson, Tressy Williams, Cynthia Cage, Charlotte Foote, Wendy Pittman, Beverly Stewart, Rita Daniel, Quinton E. Jackson, Patsy Thompson and Wanda Freeman.

The Clothes Closet –apparel is Free/Gratis “Helping Those in need of Clothing”. Matthew 25:36 is our motivational scripture. It is coordinated by the Clothes Closet Team. We currently open the first Wednesday of each month starting at 5:30PM to allow people who come for benevolent help to browse. Closing time is 7PM.

Operating rules: People are to come quarterly, so we can assist as many as possible. There is a limit of 5 outfits and 2 pair of shoes per family members. In cases of emergency, please, call the church (713-778-0992) and the Clothes Closet Team will be notified.

The Riceville Clothes Closet

We have helped immigrants to USA from France and Cuba as well as flood and fire victims, homeless people and recently released inmates. There are three (3) Clothes Closet Give-A-Ways a year – There is no limit on items. Volunteers and any Youth needing community service hours are always welcome. 2020 Riceville Clothes Closet Give –A-Ways are set for Spring - April 25, Summer - August 22 and Fall - October 22 (9:30AM – 5PM).

Thanks to the Riceville members and friends who donate to the Riceville Clothes Closet. We are blessed to be given gently worn apparel, new items with tags, items cleaned and ready to hang, etc. We ask that you bring any donations to the North Campus on the first Wednesday. Please do not put any clothing in the Food Pantry Box or leave them outside of the Clothes Closet. Drop offs can be set up by calling the church.

For all of the support of the church’s charitable mission services-we are grateful.

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130th Church AnniversaryHONORING OUR LEGACY:

OUR GOD, OUR CHURCH, OUR PEOPLEPsalm 78:4

FestiVilleCELEBRATING 130 YEARS

1889 - 2019

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Greeting From Our New Pastor

Dear Riceville Family,

To God be the glory for the great things He has done! It is with great humility and excitement that my family and I join you as your pastoral family. Words can merely express the joy I feel as I stand on the shoulders of my predecessors who have laid a good foundation at Riceville. There is much work to be done as we connect with one another and celebrate together over what God is doing in the life of the church. Please know that with thirty (30) years in ministry and twenty-seven (27) years of active pastoring, I will bring to you the best of my experience and a commitment to excellence in ministry.

In this Cornerstone edition, you will be able to see all of the dynamic ministries we have at Riceville and the impactful work that each ministry does. We ought to be proud that we are a congregation

that grows internally, but also reaches out externally beyond the four walls of the church. This is our spiritual mandate. You will also be able to see some of our plans for the year. I believe that 2020 is going to be a great year for the Body as we move to another level. Throughout this year, you will find opportunities for growth and development and I ask that you would pray for each of these ministry moments and events. And, I guarantee you that when we join together on one accord, we will see God work wonders among us.

I am thankful and grateful to be in ministry with you and truly believe that the best is yet to come!

In Ministry Together,Pastor Calvin McFadden, Sr., Ph.D.

and

Bey

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Pastor Calvin J. McFadden, Sr.and family

Did you know Brianna Scott has been a CEO in the Girl Scouts for the last three years? In a recent interview with Girl Scout Magazine, Brianna said “The Girl Scout Cookie Program helped me to speak fluently, to be patient, to set goals and to be nice and cooperative. When selling cookies,

I always felt amazed because I didn’t think I would reach my goal but I pushed myself to work hard to achieve my goal. I worked hard by selling at my school, my church, emailing and calling my family, my parents’ jobs and trying to work every cookie booth available. Being a CEO makes me feel that I am an achiever! It’s an awesome feeling to be a top seller in my troop as well as a CEO.”

In that same interview, when asked about her daughter, Penny Scott replied, “Brianna is a go-getter. She loves Girl Scouts and cookie season. I have watched her grow from a Daisy to a Cadette, from shy to confident, from soft-spoken to outspoken, from cookie seller to CEO. She always sets her goals high. Before the cookie season ends, Brianna is already talking about her goal for the next year.

Riceville, we may have our next corporate CEO in our midst. Congratulations Brianna!

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Girl Scouts CEO

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Did you know Rev. Charles and Melody Miles are the CEO and COO of the nonprofit corporation, Miles Ministry? It’s mission is to Empower, and Equip hurting Men and Women with a vision of hope, and healing, by giving them an educational apparatus that will bring them to a place of restoration by way of Preaching, Teaching, and Mentoring.

Miles Ministry inception came out of Rev. and Sister Miles deliverance from their own personal misery in the year 1999. They served along for 5 years and God has since grown the ministry to over 300 active faithful mentors, and countless community partners……..GLORY be to God. • Miles Ministry has received the

City of Houston Proclamation for its service to the homeless population of Houston.

• Also feature; on Chanel 13, Chanel 11, Chanel 2 and Chanel 39 for its service to hurting people.

• Received the George and Barbara Bush Points of Light award, via its work with

the Star Of Hope Homeless None Profit Corporation.

• Recognized by Washington DC / Michelle Obama Committed in the White House via Documental on successful recovery transformations stories, featuring Rev. Miles as a prime example.

• Rev. Miles / Via the Ministry received the National Legion of Honor Award, along with Jim Mcingvale (Mattress Mack) for service to his fellow man.

• Via the Ministry; Rev. Charles and Melody personal life stories are featured and use in documentaries nationally in several therapeutic forums, with the hope of convincing others that recovery from incarceration, substance dependency, and homelessness is possible with God.

 God has used Miles Ministry to serve thousands of hurting people, build community partnerships and encouraged others to get involved.

Glory be given to the Name of Our Lord

Miles Ministry

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Houston Gospel Living LegendPatsy Gilliam-Thompson

Riceville is blessed to have a “Houston Gospel Living Legend” as an active church member, Mrs. Patsy Gilliam-Thompson.

She was honored on October 8,2018 by the Gospel Music Heritage of Houston and KTSU, 90.9 FM Radio Station, Houston, Texas as one of Houston’s Gospel Music Living Legends. We are proud to have this anointed, gifted Gospel Songster/Psalmist, Patsy Gilliam-Thompson and her husband, Dr. Oliver Thompson, Ph.D.(Education) at Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Patsy is a native Houstonian born into a musical family. Beginning at the age of 7, she sang with Power House Voices. Her ties to Riceville began long ago-attending services and she fondly would come with her uncle, the well-known piano teacher/choir director, the late Willie Frank Gilliam, who taught piano lessons to many Riceville youth.

Her first appearance was at the Houston downtown Music Hall singing the National Anthem to open the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Her musical journey did not stop there. Her faith and upbringing in church was a strong tower as she used her gift in school and church choirs, Gospel groups and even an R & B group.

She remarked, “Where there was singing, I was there.” Patsy has been blessed to be a lead vocalist for Gospel recording artists and musicians in Texas and other states as well. She was one of the original members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) founded by the late James Cleveland; participated in the first Gospel Music Workshop held in Houston; featured on the recording with the Houston Mass Choir on the Album “Beautiful Zion” presented by the

late Rev, Isaac Douglas and lead vocalist on the song entitled “Lord, Let Me Be Close to Thee” composed by Professor Lewis B. Jackson of Chicago, Illinois.

She continued recording with the Houston Interdenominational Gospel Choir founded by the late Eugene Williams, as lead vocalist on songs: “Everything is in the Lord” and “Just Having the Lord in My Life” which was written by her sister, the late Betty “Grace” Gilliam.

Patsy is an active member of the Levites Adult Choir, Riceville Adult Ministry (RAM) and volunteers with the Riceville Nursing Home Ministry and Riceville Clothes Closet.

She enjoys serving and continually lifting the name of the Lord God as the Coordinator of the all-female choir, Riceville Women of Virtue in the church Music Ministry under the direction of Minister Chester D.T. Baldwin.

Patsy Gilliam Thompson not only uses her gift at Riceville, she also is invited as a guest soloist at churches across Houston and vicinity.

Salu

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ADULT MINISTRIESTBD, Marriage MinistryVerlon Frier, Men’s MinistryCharles Wiggins, Riceville Adult MinistryDonna Taylor-Iles, Women’s Ministry

BENEVOLENCE MINISTRIESMae Joyce Williams, BenevolenceAlvies Carter, Clothes ClosetClarence Harper, Food Pantry

FACILITATING MINISTRIESLeo Alfred, Christian EducationTBD, Congregational CareReginald Fields, Deacon MinistryPatsy Penson, Deacons & Ministers WivesWillie Simmons, Prayer MinistryLoveless Wilson, TrusteesTBD, Outreach Ministry MUSIC & ARTS MINISTRIESChester D.T. Baldwin, Minister of Music & ArtsTara Jacobis, AIF Drama MinistryClarence Harper, Men of ValorTBD, Praise Dance & Mime MinistryLisa Frier, Youth Choir Patsy Thompson, Women of Virtue

RICEVILLE CHRISTIAN UNIONNaomi Flix, President

SERVICE/HELP MINISTRIESTBD, Annual Events Wilford Wells, Audio and VisualCarolyn Payton, First RespondersPier Gardner, JDJ Center Lena Smith, Kitchen/CulinaryAngela Jenkins, Sunday ReceptionistJoyce McGowan, Threads MinistryEmory Ford, TransportationYvonne Pratt, Ushers & GreetersMildred Williams, Weddings

YOUTH MINISTRIESTBD, Youth DirectorFay Dunwood, Acknowledging Christian Talents & SkillsMildred Williams, Cover GirlsCarolyn Payton, Girl Scouts

Ministry Contacts2020 Church Events

February 23, 2020Take Me Back

Old Fashion Sunday

March 8, 2020131st Church Anniversary

Family & FriendsCelebration

May 2, 2020Men’s Conference

May 27 -31, 2020Pastor Installation

Week

August 16, 2020Youth Annual Day

September 13, 2020Women’s Day

October 11, 2020College Day Sunday

October 31, 2020Fall Festival

December 4-5, 2020Church Leadership Retreat

MISSION STATEMENTIt is the MISSION

of Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church to be committed to a spirit of excellence as we acquiesce to the principle, E5. 

We will Exalt the Savior through Worship, Enlighten the Unsaved through Evangelism,

Equip the Saints through Discipleship, Embrace all Generations through Fellowship and

Elevate Humanity through Missions. 

Therefore, we will Move from Impression to Impact E5!  Acts 2:42-47.

Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church | 11539 South Gessner Rd. | Houston, TX 77071 | 713-778-0992

Dr. Calvin J. McFadden, Sr.Senior Pastor

CONNECT WITH USText TheVille to 40691 (for texts)

Text RICEVILLE to 22828 (for emails)Website: www.ricevillechurch.org

For more information send inquiries to: inbox@ricevillechurch.org