Jim Page, Richie Page, Eloise Daniel and Mernette Sibley (from left) stand inside the recently constructed new Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church building. Glass from the old building was used for the window behind them. The new church building was dedicated last May.Special to The Herald

The Mount Olivet United Methodist Church congregation was awarded the “Small Church Award” for the West Jackson District during the 2012 Annual Conference of the Mississippi Area UMC, which was held at the Jackson Convention Center  on June 8-10.  
The basis for the award grew from the congregation’s dedication and hard work in building a new house of worship, which was completed earlier this year and dedicated on May 19, 2012.  
Mount Olivet has maintained a presence in the Mechanicsburg community of Yazoo County since 1851.  The current congregation assessed their aging facility and felt led to build a new one.  
For every step of faith the small congregation took, the resources and strength to continue came forth. The new house of worship was completed with no debt incurred so that future generations of believers may continue to worship there.