Commission designates Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church a local historic landmark

The Historic Zoning Commission voted May 20 to recommend designation of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church at 3411 Albion Street as a local historic landmark, following a staff presentation tracing the congregation’s history and the building’s architectural significance.

Russell Sturgeon of Metropolitan Historical Commission staff presented research showing the church’s 1955 Colonial Revival building — designed by McKissack & McKissack — and evidence that Mount Olive served as a civil‑rights organizing venue in the 1950s and 1960s. "The property retains integrity of location, design, materials, and association sufficient for eligibility under National Register Criterion A for its contributions to African‑American religious life and the Civil Rights Movement and Criterion C for its architectural significance," Sturgeon said.

Representatives of the congregation spoke in support. Pastor Robert Hall described the church as a multigenerational institution and a neighborhood anchor. Longtime member Max Scott recounted joining Mount Olive after it moved near Tennessee State University and praised its civic role. "We are so grateful…this little church has served the neighborhood," Scott said.

Commissioners praised the research and moved to approve the application to apply the historic overlay and adopt the existing landmark design guidelines for the property. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was taken and no member recorded opposition.

The commission’s action means the property will now be subject to the local landmark design review standards when preservation permits are required. Staff cited Section 17-36-120‑B‑1‑3‑and‑5 of the Metropolitan Code as the basis for findings supporting designation. The next steps include formal paperwork to finalize the overlay and staff review of any future preservation permits under the adopted guidelines.