By Gary Lloyd

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville City Council on Aug. 9 proclaimed Aug. 15-21 as Mt. Joy Baptist Church 165^th Anniversary Week in the city.

Mt. Joy Baptist Church on Valley Road began its ministry in 1857 and is the oldest African-American church in Jefferson County. According to the proclamation, “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.”

“This is a great honor, great accomplishment,” Trussville City Councilman Alan Taylor said.

Mt. Joy will celebrate the anniversary each Sunday in August at its 10:15 a.m. services. Pastor Larry Hollman accepted the proclamation at the meeting and asked each Mt. Joy Baptist Church member to stand. Nearly half of a full room stood.

“We thank you for this honor,” Hollman said. “I hope we grow right along with [Trussville].”

Read more about Mt. Joy Baptist Church and Pastor Larry Hollman in the October issue of the Cahaba Sun.