Mt. Olive Methodist Episcopal Church had its official beginning on April 17, 1874, when John D. Ray gave a plot of land in Coweta County (lot #64 in the fifth district) to be used for a place of divine worship in the town of Raymond. There is no knowledge or record of any group or persons coming together for worship prior to the above.

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The agreement was between John D. Ray and the following men who were made trustees: William Caldwell, Simon Jackson, Dennis Hill, Henry Bush, Thomas Phillips, George Russell, and Cassen McClure of Coweta County. The transaction is recorded in the Coweta County Deed Record "Book N" (page 480). The sum of one dollar ($1.00) sealed the agreement in the presence of W.A. Turner, E. Douglap, Notary Public and A.R. Wellborn (Clerk). 

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Worship services were held at Mt. Gilead Episcopal Church until the construction of Mt. Olive was completed. John D. Ray built the first frame structure on Old McIntosh Road (The road was later changed to Hwy 16).

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It was under the leadership of Rev. M.G. Kight that the roof was torn off the church in 1932 to install a new one and to make other repairs. While this was being done, the trustees were given permission to use the Negro Presbyterian Church for worship. The trustees at that time were Will Jackson, Paul Bowens, Isaiah Pittman, Matthew Thompson, and Pell Durrah. The church was also used for a public school.

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In 1936, after the death of heir Ralph Sheridan, the John D. Ray property (the church site and all property surrounding it, with the exception of the cemetery) was sold. It is to remain a burial place until all the lots are used. The church has since been repaired. 

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On September 24, 1938, the trustees purchased one acre of land from H.W. McDonald for the sum of five dollars ($5.00) for a church site. The property was located in the northeast corner of track #3 and the land lot #33 in the town of Raymond. This is recorded in the Deed Record Book #38 (page 7).  Trustees were Will Jackson, Paul Bowen, Isaiah Pittman, Matthew Thompson, Pell Durrah, Robert Freeman, and George Jackson. The deed was signed in the presence of I.J. Winslett (Notary Public), H.L. Upshaw and J.J. Farmer (Clerk). The date of the recording was November 7, 1938. 

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Under the leadership of Rev. R.W. Sutton, new ground was broken for a new church. This occurred during the Great Depression years. At this time, money was scarce and the work on the new building moved very slowly. The second structure was only a frame when a windstorm demolished it. 

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With the passing of time, the members moved from Raymond and decided to move the church closer to them. In 1948, the trustees appealed to Duke Blackburn Sr. for a site on Big Popular Road. The trustees present were Isaiah Pittman, Matthew Thompson, and Robert Freeman. 

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The agreement according to Duke Blackburn Sr reads: "The use of the land, two acres more or less on Big Popular Road to be used for a house of worship as long as this is done up to 99 years. After the end of 99 years, the agreement should be renewed. If the property ever ceases to be used for a church, the land will revert back to the person named in this agreement or his heirs or administrator."

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In 1948, Rev. J. W. Queen was instrumental in the construction of a church on the newly acquired land. During the interim, a tent was purchased from Friendship Baptist Church. It was set up and used for worship that same year. Later, the tent was sold to the original owners. 

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In 1949, the dream became a reality when a new cement block church was built by contractor Robert Mitchell. Later, a basement and restrooms were added. 

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Under the leadership of Rev. W.S. Winston, the church purchased the first piano for the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00). Mrs. Eloise Comb Thompson was the first pianist when the church choir was initially organized. 

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On April 23, 1968, in Dallas, TX, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Chruch South, the Protestant Church, the Methodist Church, and the Evangelical United Brethren Church united under one name. The churches became known as the United Methodist Chruch. Mt. Olive UMC evolved from this union. 

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In 1972, the Women's Society of Christian Service and the Wesleyan Service Guild merged and became the United Methodist Women. Simultaneously, the men became the United Methodist Men. 

 

As years passed, the church exterior began to deteriorate and became no longer conducive for worship. In 1977, new ground was broken for a new edifice under the leadership of Rev. M.F. Davis. Landscaping was done by Duke Blackburn Jr. in memory of Rufus Thompson. 

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Under the direction of Spear Contractors and dedicated officers, the church was completed in April of 1980. The officers were Charlie M. Glass, Lenell Thompson, James Pittman, Jesse Thompson, and Starling Thompson (Chairman of Trustee Board). During the same time, the United Methodist Women installed new pulpit furniture. In June of 1980, Rev. W.C. Golphin became the pastor. 

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During Rev. W.C. Golphin's tenure, new pews were installed in 1983. A portion of the yard was paved and the Gospel Choir was organized. Later, a public-address system was added to the sanctuary. Sliding walls, countertops with cabinets and a water fountain were added to the lower level of the church. 

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In 1987, a generous contribution as given by Mrs. Carrie Mae Jackson Gordon in the amount of $1,000.00. It was used to purchase a new organ. 

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In April of 1990, the parking lot was completed under the supervision of member Mr. Terrance Cleveland (by Terrance Cleveland and company). 

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In June of 1990, Mt. Olive United Methodist Church Youth Choir was organized by Ms. Sandra Thompson Shular with Miss Cynthia Jenkins as the musician.

 

In 2002, the Youth and Young Adult Ministry was established. Mrs. Margaret B. Thompson served as their adult advisor. A year later, a new public-address system was installed in the sanctuary and in the fellowship hall.  

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After 23 years of dedicated service, Rev. and Mrs. Golphin resigned as pastor and Director of Music in the spring of 2003. On July 13, 2003, Rev. Michael Cain became the pastor of Mt. Olive. Rev. Cain is the church's first Caucasian pastor. 

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In October 2003, Mt. Olive became a full-service church meeting every Sunday for worship. Additional Sundays required music, which led to the inception of the Combined Choir. Mrs. Melanie Thompson Booker served as the Director of Music. 

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In January 2004, new chandeliers and ceiling fans were installed in the entrance and sanctuary. One of the offices was converted to a public restroom. On April 5, 2004, one of Mt. Olive's dedicated faithful stewards, Brother Jesse M. Thompson departed this life. Brother Thompson served in many offices over the years. His most noted office was Sunday School Superintendent for 60 years. 

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In April 2008, the Mt. Olive Praise Dance team was organized under the direction of Mrs. Alicia Moreland and her daughter Zemeria Moreland. In 2009, the Mt. Olive Male Chorus was formed under the direction of Mr. Eddie Jackson and Mr. Jason Thompson with musician Mr. Charlie Marshall.

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In 2010, the Youth Choir was revived in 2010 under the direction of Mrs. Melanie T. Booker and Mrs. Tiffany Houston, with Ms. Talena Huling as the musician. 

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In 2016, Derrick Sims joined Mt. Olive as the church musician. Two years later, Mt. Olive added four televisions in the sanctuary to broadcast worship services. Later that year, the Youth Choir was renamed to the Starlin M. Thompson Youth Choir in memory of the dedicated church member. 

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In 2019, Mt. Olive went digital and began streaming worship services online. Services can be found on YouTube or purchased for five dollars ($5.00) each Sunday.

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In 2020, the Mt. Olive Praise Dancers were rebranded under the tutelage of Ms. Alex Shular. The group debuted on February 24, 2020, during Mt. Olive's annual Black History Program. The group consists of youth and adults of all ages. 

 

In 2022, Mt. Olive experienced a change in leadership. Rev. Michael Cain stepped down after 19 years at the helm. Later in July, Pastor Yolanda Jones-Colton took over as the first woman to oversee the church.