It was on February 25, 1957, that this church congregation was organized under the direction of the late Rev. J.E. Pettaway, at the Christ Temple Baptist Church, located at 3050 26th Ave., Sacramento, CA. Mt. Hermon began with 18 chartered members, one surviving member who is still with us today, in the person of Sis. M. Taylor. Dr. G.C. Northern was elected as the Pastor.

This church was organized with the full expression of Christ and His love that surpasses all knowledge of mankind; focused on the Baptist doctrine, the doctrine that is based on the teaching of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. The first congregational meeting was held in a rented building on March 3, 1957, with 25 members. 

The building was located at 3519 Rio Linda Blvd. here in Sacramento. These 25 members were enough to 

walk out on faith and purchase a building we could call our own. By June 9, 1957, 200 members joined 

the congregation.

As with any organization, special events took place. The pulpit was installed on March 17, 1957 and a new
pulpit purchased again in 1994 in the new building. The installation service for Pastor Northern was held April 27, 1957. Under Rev. Northern’s leadership all of the auxiliaries that were needed to exemplify and enhance the Baptist Doctrine were installed. These auxiliaries were the Choir, Sunday School, BYPU, Usher Board, Mother’s Board and others. 

In recognition of special events, the church has celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Black History, Easter, Mother’s Day and Children’s Day, Mother’s Board Day and has had very successful Vacation Bible School sessions with strong participation by the members. Our youth also participate in the Church – they have attended Bible study; participate as junior ushers and have participated as a combined choir with the Voices
of Mt. Hermon. The Church also donates food baskets to those in need during the holiday seasons. The first set of choir robes were purchased in 1961. In 1962 the baptizing pool was installed. The first piano was purchased in May 1960. In 1971 the Pastor appointed an Assistant Pastor, Rev. Boone Johnson, who served 

for 14 years. 

As time passed, the old building purchased in 1957 began to wear down. Our Pastor, Rev. Northern, was
directed by the Holy Spirit and started purchasing a new building. In April 1989, we broke ground for the current building. For a brief period of time we worshipped in a borrowed space at Mt. Olive Baptist Church while construction of the new building occurred. In January 1990, we moved back into the present building, but the church was incomplete, so we continued to build and pay, build and pay. Eventually, the building was completed and the debt paid in full.

On August 27, 1995, the cornerstone was laid. It was laid by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
F and HM, State of California and Jurisdiction Mr. Joseph Nicholas, Grandmaster. Sis. Julia Brown, one of the founding members, funded the laying of the cornerstone in honor of the Pastor and wife’s late daughter, Patricia Northern. Nineteen ninety five also marked the beginning of our scholarship fund. We annually gave scholarships to students who are members of this church, enrolled in collegiate studies.

As our membership grew we rejoiced and we had many unite with us in years past. In 2001, we lost our church secretary, Sis. Lucille Norse, and in January and April 2002, our Pastor and wife of 45 years, went home to receive their reward. God bless them, for they were two dedicated soldiers for Christ. However, we will see them again.

Needed repairs have also been completed such as the steps on the side of the church, the women’s restroom remodeled and a new roof was placed on the church building. A heater was purchased for the baptizing pool and in November 2004, new chairs were purchased for the choir stand. On April 14, 2002 the church carried out the wishes of our late Pastor in that it ordained Rev. Kenneth Wimberly, Sr. Rev. Wimberly was elected in December 2002 as the second pastor of Mt Hermon Missionary Baptist Church and was installed February 9, 2003. Pastor Wimberly served the church until his resignation on April 25, 2010.

Under Pastor Wimberly’s leadership, various ministries had been established such as Women’s Fellowship, Sick and Bereavement ministry, annual clothes give-a-ways and also a New Membership Class, which convened during Sunday School. Our Bible Study continues to meet regularly on Wednesday evenings and has good member attendance. Upon the resignation of Pastor Wimberly, Rev. Jasper Ruffin immediately became the interim minister and provided the weekly sermons until a new pastor could be elected. Rev. Ruffin served faithfully through August 2012.

After the resignation of Rev. Wimberly, Mt. Hermon set out a call for a new Pastor. A pastor search committee was established and candidates were interviewed. Finally, a candidate was chosen in the person of Rev. Rodrick L. Bates. Pastor Bates was voted the Pastor of this church on Sunday, September 9, 2012. On Sunday, November 11, 2012, Pastor Bates was installed as the new Pastor. There is much more history that hasn’t been told. There have been marriages, births, baptisms, children dedicated to the Lord and members who have come and gone. Nevertheless, we have a beautiful church building. 

We have an active congregation and our church shall continue to stand. For Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” We know it is not us that can do these things but the Christ in us. We realize that our physical and spiritual well-being depends on the Lord who stood out on nothing and made everything. We cherish our church, the building and the congregation and we understand that in order to see the Master’s face, we must be unified believers, listening to God in the House of the Lord.