Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, is known for a ministry rooted in June 16, 1870 and a continuing emphasis on worship, biblical teaching, music and service. Its motto, “Shining God’s Light in Every Life,” is paired with the phrase “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Love” as Mount Pisgah carries out its mission in Cordova and the Memphis community.
A House for the Lord at Pisgah Road
Mount Pisgah began when the Roach family donated land at 1234 Pisgah Road to build a house for the Lord. Rev. Fred Thomas formed the first congregation with faithful deacons John N. Harris, L.B. Morris, William Jones, Arthur Biggs, J.S. Price, William Swift and Charles H. Williams. The church was rebuilt in 1941 under Rev. Anderson and enlarged in 1960 under Rev. Sampson Townsend Sr. as the congregation continued to grow.
Expansion Under Pastor Bassil Gardner Brooks
Rev. Bassil Gardner Brooks became pastor in 1976 and led Mount Pisgah through decades of expansion and outreach. A new sanctuary addition was completed in 1983, the Family Life Center was dedicated in 1991, and the Inner-City Outreach Ministry was established in 2003 to serve the Memphis community. The Family Life Center was renamed in 2006 to honor Deacon Tom Henry Gray, and Pisgah Woods Grounds were dedicated in 2012 to Pastor Brooks. The Pisgah Woods Brick Project, launched in 2016, continues to celebrate members past and present while supporting future community facilities.
A Mortgage Burning Ceremony in 2022 marked the payment in full of 176 acres of land. After Pastor Brooks’ passing in 2023, the leadership school was renamed in his honor. Rev. Stoney Burt Butler Jr. leads Mount Pisgah. A LeMoyne-Owen College alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities concentrating in philosophy and religion, he has helped raise more than $600,000 in institutional support for his alma mater. His ministry is guided by John 9:4: “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Sunday School at 8:45 and Worship at 10:00
- Sunday School: 8:45 a.m.
- Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00 a.m.
Mount Pisgah describes its worship as heartfelt and centered on biblical teaching. The church says its family values reverence, fellowship and service, while its broader mission includes proclaiming the Gospel, fostering spiritual growth and encouraging families to live in unity and purpose.
Worship takes place at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1234 Pisgah Road, Cordova, Tennessee 38016. The church welcomes first-time visitors and describes worship as an opportunity to grow closer to God and one another. Children’s Church and the youth ministries are among the church’s regular ministries.
Study on Wednesdays and Service Each Month
Two recurring study opportunities take place on Wednesdays: a Senior Bible Class and Bible Study. Christian Education and Sunday School support ongoing learning, while the church also lists a Scholarship Fund and Cooking Class among its education opportunities. The Sunday School gathering at 8:45 a.m. continues the emphasis on biblical teaching and group study.
Community Outreach Day takes place every second Saturday of the month. The gathering combines service, food drives and community support, linking the Inner-City Outreach Ministry with people in the Memphis area and making the church’s commitment to service a regular part of the week.
Choirs, Praise Performers and Music Ministry
The Worship and Music ministry includes the Mass Choir, Male Chorus, Women’s Chorus and Praise Performers. Angel Choir and the Youth/Young Adult Choir extend that musical work to children and young people, while the Usher Boards serve alongside the music groups. The Media Ministry, Sound System, Tele-Ministry, Transformers and In-Touch Ministry are also part of the church’s media and communications work.
Messages and worship recordings are available through the Mount Pisgah YouTube channel and a media archive that includes past sermons, teachings and special services. This allows congregants and visitors to revisit messages beyond the Sunday gathering.
Children, Youth and Lifelong Learning
Children’s Church, Angel Choir, Youth Ministry, Girl Scouts, Summer Camp and the Youth/Young Adult Choir provide distinct ministries for children and young adults. These groups place worship, music, outdoor activity and fellowship alongside the church’s educational work. Christian Education and Sunday School continue that emphasis on learning, while the Scholarship Fund and Cooking Class add practical dimensions to the church’s roster.
Mount Pisgah’s wider fellowship ministry includes the Deacon Board, Missionary Society, Mother Board, Pastor’s Aide, Pew Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Men’s Fellowship. These groups reflect the church’s stated emphasis on family unity, fellowship and purposeful service.
Senior Care, Wellness and Grief
The Senior Ministry and Sick and Shut-In ministry sit alongside the Health Ministry, Fitness and Zumba, and Gym Ministry. Mount Pisgah also maintains a Grief Ministry. Together, these groups place care for older adults, wellness and bereavement within a fellowship structure that also supports worship, education and service.
Inner-City and Prison Outreach
The Inner-City Outreach Ministry, established in 2003, serves the Memphis community. Prison Ministry is another named part of Mount Pisgah’s service work. Together with Community Outreach Day’s food drives and community support, these ministries connect the church’s history of expansion to regular outreach in the surrounding area.
Connection, Reminders and Giving
The official Mount Pisgah app brings updates, service information and ministry information into one place under the phrase “Faith. Community. Connection in your packet.” The church also uses text reminders for services, events and community outreach activities. Giving is supported through PayPal, and secure online giving is available for tithes, offerings and special gifts.
A Continuing Story on Pisgah Road
Mount Pisgah’s story connects a 19th-century house for the Lord to a continuing ministry of worship, education, music, care and outreach. At 1234 Pisgah Road in Cordova, the congregation remains centered on the words that frame its work: “Shining God’s Light in Every Life.”