About the mount carmel baptist church

The Mount Carmel Baptist Church has been a pillar of faith in Richmond, Virginia since 1887. Born from a thriving Mission Sunday School led by Rev. William H. White, the church was organized with support from Ebenezer Baptist Church and other local congregations. Rev. White became the founding pastor, and in 1888, Mount Carmel celebrated its first baptism—hailed as one of Richmond’s most beautiful spiritual moments.

As the congregation grew, new buildings were established to meet the needs of the church family—first at Saint James and Fritz Streets, then at 1303 North First Street, and finally, in 1958, to our current home at 3200 East Broad Street under the leadership of Rev. Dr. E.D. McCreary, Jr.

Mount Carmel has been faithfully led by a legacy of dedicated pastors. Today, under Rev. Marvin L. Gilliam, Jr., we remain committed to sharing God’s love, strengthening our community, and living out our faith boldly.

A tall brick church with arched windows and a clock, labeled 'The Mt Carmel Baptist Church,' with a sign in front advertising worship services.

ouR lEADERSHIP

Marvin L. Gilliam, Jr. | Pastor

Rev. Marvin L. Gilliam, Jr. is the pastor of The Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Richmond’s Church Hill community. A Chesterfield County native, he was licensed at Union Branch Baptist Church and ordained at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church.

He holds degrees from Virginia State University and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Gilliam taught music and led choirs in Richmond Public Schools for 12 years.

Dedicated to community engagement, he serves on the Henrico County Social Services Board, the Community Criminal Justice Board, and as Co-President of Richmonders Involved in Strengthening our Communities (RISC). He is a 2024 Leadership Metro Richmond graduate and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Henrico with their three children: Marvin III, Jameson, and Leila. Rooted in Romans 8:28, Pastor Gilliam leads with a heart for faith, service, and empowerment.

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Press Kit
  • Woman with dark hair and brown skin, wearing a red dress with ruffled sleeves, a silver statement necklace, hoop earrings, and red lipstick, smiling against a plain white background.

    Rev. Laticia Lee

    Director of Ministries

  • Smiling man in black suit, glasses, and tie posing against a plain white background.

    Min. Cornelius Greenhill

    Minister of Music

  • An elderly African American woman with short, curly hair, smiling, dressed in a white blazer, black top, and layered pearl necklaces, against a plain grey background.

    Deacon Cora Smith

    Diaconate Ministry Servant Leader

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with short gray hair, wearing a colorful floral sleeveless top, standing against a white background.

    Trustee Sandra Alexander

    Trustee Ministry Servant Leader

  • An elderly African-American woman with short gray hair, glasses, and a warm smile, dressed in a white blazer, black top, pearl necklace, and earrings, sitting against a plain gray background.

    Deacon Alfreda Greene

    Church Treasurer

  • An older woman with short gray curly hair wearing a black short-sleeve top and multiple strands of white pearls, smiling softly against a plain white background.

    Deacon Brenda Carter

    Church Clerk