Our History
Mars Hill Church of God in Christ has a long tradition-rich history in the Neshoba County area. With Holiness having been preached throughout every brush arbor of Mississippi and the start of the first Church of God in Christ in 1907 in Lexington, MS, Philadelphia and Neshoba County soon followed suit with the Mars Hill Church in 1923 under the leadership of Superintendent McDowell. Given the turbulent social times of that era, it was no surprise that finding a place to house the group of “Sanctified”, “Holy Rollers”, was a difficult task. Finally, a place was found on a pasture site owned by Mr. Tom Lowery, a white landowner. There the Saints praised God in the beauty of holiness.
Some of the former pastors included Elder Couledge, Elder Butler, Elder Bates, Elder McPayton, Elder J.D. Jones, Elder C.H. Sharpe, Superintendent J.E. Eaton (interim) and Elder George Murray.
In 1969, Superintendent Isaac Harris, was named Pastor of the Mars Hill COGIC. Seeing the decrepit condition of the church, Pastor Harris led the church in a search for its own land. Property was soon purchased off Highway 486 and now Road 737. It was around 1975 when the “new” Mars Hill Church of God in Christ was built. The edifice came complete with two restrooms and a small dining room. Soon after, the church purchased additional land, bringing its total property owned to almost five and one-half acres.
In 1969, Superintendent Isaac Harris, was named Pastor of the Mars Hill COGIC. Seeing the decrepit condition of the church, Pastor Harris led the church in a search for its own land. Property was soon purchased off Highway 486 and now Road 737. It was around 1975 when the “new” Mars Hill Church of God in Christ was built. The edifice came complete with two restrooms and a small dining room. Soon after, the church purchased additional land, bringing its total property owned to almost five and one-half acres.
This building remained basically the same until around 1995 when renovations were made to the main sanctuary. In addition, a Pastor’s study and a Pastoral bedroom were added. In 1996, the addition of the dining hall was made, and the church was bricked. During that time, a new roof was added, and several maintenance projects were completed.
In January 2006, it was agreed by the pastor and all in the assembly that we pay off the note on the church. The pay off on the mortgage came one year earlier than the original final payment date and translated into substantial savings for the church.
Today, we celebrate, not only the paying off of the mortgage, but we also celebrate all the Saints who have gone on before us and for the sacrifice through blood and tears that they made. This church will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and Holiness in the Neshoba County area for years to come.