Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Lake Harbor is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The church was founded in 1924 by Pastor Riley on the west side of the Miami canal, along Miami Canal Road. It quickly became a pillar of the community, providing spiritual guidance and support to its African America members of Lake Harbor community and surround sugar and agriculture farms.

However, the young church faced a devastating setback in 1928 when the Okeechobee hurricane, also known as the San Felipe Segundo hurricane, struck the region. The hurricane's destructive force was overwhelming, and Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church was not spared. The church building was destroyed, leaving the congregation in a state of disarray and uncertainty.

In a remarkable act of generosity, Mutt Thomas, the owner and operator of C.A. Thomas Farms, donated both land and a new building for the church. The new location was on the east side of the Miami canal, along Mutt Thomas Road. With this gift, the church was able to rebuild and continue its mission.

Over the years, the church had several pastors, but one of the most prominent figures was Pastor Aaron Drayton. Under his leadership, the church experienced growth and expansion. Pastor Drayton also played a significant role in nurturing young ministers within the congregation. Among them were Pastor Willie C. Thornton, Pastor Freddie Lee Thornton, and Pastor John Holman, who were licensed under his guidance.

When Pastor Aaron Drayton retired, Pastor John Holman assumed the role of pastor and continued the church's growth trajectory. The congregation flourished under his leadership, fostering a strong sense of community and faith.

However, in October 2005, Hurricane Wilma struck the area, once again wreaking havoc on the church. The building was destroyed, and the congregation faced the challenge of rebuilding yet again. Undeterred, Pastor John Holman and the devoted members of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church found alternative locations to continue their worship and community activities.

In September 2011, Pastor John Holman led the congregation in a significant milestone when they purchased a church building in Belle Glade, Florida. This new location provided a more permanent home for Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, allowing them to rebuild and strengthen their presence in the community.

Since then, the church has continued to thrive under Pastor John Holman's leadership, serving as a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance for its members and the surrounding community. The history of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Lake Harbor is a testament to the unwavering spirit and resilience of its members, who have overcome multiple challenges to keep their faith alive and their mission flourishing.

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