August 2, 1949 a group of Christian men and women met at a house on North 32nd Street.  God had anointed the plans for the founding of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Baton Rouge.  Rev. Herbert Burden, Bros. Willie Jordan, Herman Reed & Charles Denham, along with sisters Lee Ethel Burden, Henrietta Florence Jordan, Ceola Dunbar and Hannah Branch were all present at the first meeting.  All of these saints have since departed to a better life including our last surviving founder, brother Herman Reed whose home going we celebrated in 2002.  As plans for fund raising commenced, these founders along with others who had joined their ranks began working toward the formation of a church.  On September 21, 1949, the membership agreed on the name; "Mount Carmel Baptist Church No. 2."  An election was held to fill the necessary offices for leadership.  The results were Rev. Herbert Burden, Pastor; Sister Florence Jordan, Deaconess; Bro. Charles Denham, Deacon; Sis. Lee Ethel Burden, Secretary; and Sis. Henrietta Burden, Asst. Secretary.  The church was later incorporated in 1972 as the “Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Baton Rouge."

The early saints of Mt. Carmel worked hard toward the building of an edifice that would bless the name of God by serving the community to His glory.  As new members united with the church body, they also identified with the will and spirit to work.  Brothers Elijah Burden and Willie Jordan along with Pastor Herbert and other members were in “hands on” activities in a joint effort to expedite the construction of the church.  In December 1949, enough of the construction was complete to allow services to be held while the work continued to finish the original structure.

In 1955 Pastor Herbert was called to rest from his labor.  He had given Mount Carmel unselfishly of his time, talent and financial resources.  The torch of leadership was on to his brother, the Rev. S.L. Burden who was elected as pastor.  Pastor S. L. Burden maintained the same spirit as his predecessor as he also had a mind to work.  He labored until health conditions no longer allowed him to participate physically, but as honorary pastor he continued to pray for the church's success until his death in 1988.

On July 10, 1973, the Rev. Sidney E. Sanford was elected to serve as pastor of Mt. Carmel.  Rev. Sanford led the church toward improvements as well as spiritual growth.  Mt. Carmel’s history is rich in youth development and has contributed toward building some of the finest character known to the city of baton rouge.

Rev. S.E. Sanford's departure from the pulpit led to a  pastor search for Mt. Carmel.  After the long list of interviews, the church decided to elect the Rev. Charles E. Gilmore as its new pastor.  Under Rev. Gilmore’s leadership the church continued to grow.

In 1994, the need for a pastor arose again.  Mt. Carmel was no stranger to prayer and had been on the receiving end of God's blessings for 45 years.  The church prayed for and received a new pastor.  At the suggestion of the Emanuel Aid First Vice President, Rev. Alvin A. Francois, Mt. Carmel interviewed the Rev. Ronald T. Williams.  After narrowing the field to two candidates, Rev. Williams was elected by a majority vote of members at a church meeting.  Rev, Williams has served to date as the pastor of Mt. Carmel.  Presently he maintains the same "spirit of Nehemiah” that all of his predecessors had who committed their lives to the service of this church.  For it was on Nov. 18, 2001 that Rev. Williams led this body of believers to a new  address - from 1619 N. 37th in the park to 5262 Prescott Road in Brookstown.  We entered this new building to worship God, but we brought the church with us.  We are making an effort to depart in service to our new community. As you consider this history, it is our prayer that we all be inspired to help our church in its effort to lift up the name of Jesus as we involve ourselves in worship, stewardship, fellowship, discipleship, care and nurture of His church!

Until he comes again, may God continue to bless and keep you for another glory giving 54 years.

riw:7/12/03

Timeline of Events

08/02/1949
First meeting of church founders.

09/21/1949
The name 'Mount Carmel Baptist Church No. 2' was agreed on; election was held to fill leadership positions.

09/21/1949
Rev. Herbert Burden elected as first pastor.

1972
Incorporated as 'Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Baton Rouge'

1955
Rev. Herbert Burden died; His brother, Rev. S.L. Burden was elected as the 2nd pastor.

07/10/1973
Rev. Sidney E. Sanford was elected to serve as the 3rd pastor.

1988
Pastor S.L. Burden, 2nd pastor of church, died
Rev. Charles E. Gilmore serves as the 4th pastor.

1994
Rev. Ronald T. Williams was elected by a majority vote of the members to serve as the 5th Pastor.

11/18/2001
Church moved to 5262 Prescott Rd.