Help Us Complete a Sacred Legacy

Building a Sanctuary for Faith, Community, and Future Generations

For more than 158 years, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith, resilience, and hope in Ocala, Florida. Founded in 1867, in the aftermath of slavery, Mt. Moriah was born when a group of African-Americans courageously stepped out in faith to worship freely and with dignity. What began as a small congregation soon became the spiritual home for African-Americans throughout Marion County—earning Mt. Moriah the honored title of the “Mother Church” of African-American Baptist churches in the region.

For generations, our church stood in the heart of downtown Ocala, witnessing history unfold and faithfully serving God’s people through times of struggle, progress, and transformation. As Ocala became one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, the land beneath our historic church became prime real estate.

After much prayer and deliberation, we made the difficult decision to sell our beloved downtown property to support the city’s growth, trusting that God was leading us toward a new chapter.

The building was demolished to clear the way for the city’s second parking garage, which will bring around 800 more parking spaces to downtown. According to city officials, estimated completion is Summer 2026.

We owned property in West Ocala and planned to rebuild—stronger, larger, and ready to serve future generations. The proceeds from the sale of the church should have fully funded the rebuild. However, construction delays due to COVID-19, material shortages, and soaring labor costs caused expenses to rise far beyond what was originally projected. As a result of these circumstances, we are now $500,000 short. Despite these challenges, through unwavering faith and the sacrificial giving of our congregation and local supporters, we have made remarkable progress.

Today, the vision is nearly complete—but not yet fulfilled.

Our Goal: $500,000 by April 2026

We are in the final stages of construction, and we are seeking to raise funds to help us complete our sanctuary and open our doors. Your contribution will directly support:

• Completion of the sanctuary interior

• Electrical, lighting, and sound systems for worship services

• Flooring, seating, and finishing work

• Completion of the annex

• Outside lighting

• Paving and parking lot

• Final inspections and occupancy requirements

Every dollar brings us closer to welcoming our congregation home and reopening our doors to the wider Ocala community.

More Than a Building—A Community Anchor

This new sanctuary will be far more than a place for Sunday worship. It will serve as a community hub—a safe, welcoming space for:

• Worship and spiritual growth

• Educational and youth programs

• Community meetings and outreach events

• Support services for individuals and families in need

Mt. Moriah has always been more than walls and windows. It is a place where faith is nurtured, hope is restored, and lives are uplifted. Completing this building ensures that this mission continues—not just for today, but for generations to come.

Be Part of the Story

We are asking you to support us at this pivotal moment in our church’s journey. Every gift, regardless of size, is an investment in our shared history, our faith, and the future of our community. We will be honored to have you celebrate with us when we move into our new sanctuary. Together, we can complete what faith has begun.

Help us raise $500,000 and open the doors of Mt. Moriah’s new sanctuary by April 2026.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for helping us build a legacy of hope.