A few words
About Us
Our History
Mt Carmel Holy Church of America was incorporated by our founders in January 1935.
- 1935 - Mt Carmel Holy Church of America was Incorporated
- 1953 - Purchase of the edifice at 764 Bassett Street
- 1955 - Passing of Bishop Craft
- 1981 - New sanctuary at 1528 Old Leonard Avenue
- 1982 - Passing of Mother Craft
- 1997 - Elder Walker passes the pastoral mantle to Donna W. Horton
- 2007 - Ordination of Pastor Sonny Joseph Walker Sr
The story of Mt Carmel is not just about a building or a congregation. It is a story about a family’s legacy of dedicating their lives to God’s will. Mt Carmel Holy Church of America was incorporated by our founders in January 1935.
The Craft family were all working members of Mt. Calvary Holy Church, while working there for the Lord, God began to birth in Bishop and Mother Craft the vision of a new church named Mt. Carmel. Bishop and Mother Craft had four children who could sing and two of their children could also play instruments. It all began in a little storefront…
The original edifice was at 533 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio. The building was a large storefront with plate glass windows. There was an old-fashioned pot belly stove that sat in the middle of the floor, and an old-fashioned loving spirit radiated throughout the building. The Spirit of God was as hot as the potbelly stove on a cold winter’s night. Unfortunately, the building was sold, and Mt. Carmel needed a new home.
Mt. Carmel purchased the small edifice at 764 Bassett Street, Columbus, Ohio in June of 1953. It was larger than a three-car garage with no air conditioning, kitchen, or classrooms. Services were held three times on Sunday: in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Services were also held on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Bishop Craft preached, “Don’t Let Your Hands Be Weak.” He is remembered for his favorite song, “The Storm is Passing Over, Hallelujah.” Bishop Craft was the shepherd of Mt. Carmel’s flock until God called him home on August 9, 1955. Before he passed, Bishop Craft turned the church over to his faithful and loving wife and made her promise to keep the church doors open. She did just that.
As time passed and the church grew, God gave Mother Craft a vision. A church without a vision will perish. Mother Craft believed, “If God said it, it can be done.” Regardless of the trials and tribulations, she stood by faith. Many people told her she was too old, and others advised her the church had too few members. Mother Craft knew there was no failure in God and that He reigns supreme. Mother Craft’s vision became a reality. On Easter Sunday in 1981, Mt Carmel held service in its new sanctuary at 1528 Old Leonard Avenue. Mother Craft never lost faith in God’s word and saved and collected tax stamps to turn into the state for cash to help finance the building of the new church. Mt. Carmel purchased the corner lot for less than the market value from Ashland, who benefited from the transaction via a tax write-off.
Looking back to our humble beginnings, we can say with truth, “Look Where He Brought Us From.” To God Be the Glory! The new building could seat many more and had a basement with a kitchen. Mother Craft’s family remained by her side working for the Lord until her passing on February 4, 1982. Before she passed, she made her daughter, Elder Pauline Walker, promise to keep the church doors open. Elder Walker assumed leadership and worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of her members and the community. She also continued to improve the building and grounds at the Old Leonard Avenue location and the church continued to grow.
In 1997, Elder Walker passed the pastoral mantle to Donna W. Horton. Elder Walker stayed active in the church, functioning as the spiritual leader, the Overseer. Pastor D.W. Horton came with a desire for people. She reached out to people from many walks of life and established continuing education programs for the staff and clergy. She also attended many classes and workshops herself. Pastor Horton was preparing Mt. Carmel for a new mission as the church grew.
God planted the seed, and again it was time to build a new church. God got involved and the church was able to purchase the land at the corner of Petzinger and Courtright Road. At this site, Mt Carmel Worship Center was built and stands today. In 2006, God moved again, and Pastor Horton made plans to pass the pastoral mantle to Apostle Sonny Joseph Walker, Sr. Pastor Walker was ordained as a pastor on April 13, 2007.
