Mount Carmel Church, established in 1886, held it's first service in a log cabin located on Mobile and 7th street in Hattiesburg, MS.  In 1901, a new church structure was built on that site under the leadership of Rev. T. A. Jones.

Rev. C. W. Thomas served as pastor from 1903-1906.  Under his administration  improvements were made on the church building.  Rev. A. L. Perkins was the next pastor and served from 1906-1929.  He came from Livingston, Alabama and was responsible for rebuilding the church and adding wings to accommodate a rapidly growing membership in 1911.

In 1930, Rev. R. L. Varnado of Jackson, Mississippi was elected pastor, and served four years.

Reverend Patterson of Laurel, Mississippi served as interim pastor on two different occasions.

Rev. A. L. Perkins, a former pastor, was recalled for a second term in 1937.  He served until his health failed and he had to resign.  Rev. Perkins died December 09, 1951.

On April 11, 1950, Rev. J. H. Robinson, a progressive minister and builder, was elected.  For a more convenient and modern place to worship, the church was torn down and rebuilt.  The new church contained the following facilities:  Auditorium with a seating capacity of eight hundred (800).  Educational Department with numerous classrooms:  library, pastor's study, business office, women's lounge, Baptistery, dressing rooms, fellowship hall and kitchen.

On April 26, 1953, Rev. J. H. Robinson led the congregation from the Masonic Temple to their new edifice. Since that time the church's Homecoming and Anniversary Service has been held on the forth Sunday in April.

The church continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. James C. Chandler who was elected as full-time pastor December 12, 1954.  A new era of progress began.  He was a true organizer and stressed active participation on the part of each member.

Rev. Chandler, having a keen interest in progress and  spiritual growth, set aside the third Sunday in each month as "Youth Day".  He started a new program that included the Duplex System, Men's Day, Women's Day,  Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Deaconess, Vacation Bible School and the observance of other annual events.

Many contributions and events took place during this period of service; many souls were saved and Christian strength renewed under Rev. Chandler's guidance.  When Rev. Chandler was elected, there was a large indebtedness; with the cooperation of members and friends, the indebtedness was paid off on December 23, 1956, and there was a mortgage burning Ceremony held on December 25,  1956.

A fire later damaged the church. Rev. Chandler launched efforts toward repairing the church; after remodeling, Rev. Chandler resigned to serve in Laurel, MS.

1964, Reverend Joseph Dorsett became the pastor.  He was instrumental in establishing a men's lounge and library.    Under Rev. Dorsett, Operation Blessing was organized, Ruth Houze organized the Gospelaires.  Bernard Warren organized voices for Christ.  Rev. Dorsett resigned in 1983.

Rev. Kenneth E. Fairley, the former assistant pastor, was elected full-time pastor in 1984,and is still serving as senior pastor.  Within this administration, Mt. Carmel is experiencing tremendous growth in every area of ministry and economic and community development.  His leadership imparts vision and concepts of self-empowerment, self-reliance and self-responsibility.  As a result, the Church has expanded its resources (members, programs, ministries and finances) through its own efforts, internally and community support.  Understanding that without a vision the people perish, Pastor Fairley has established and laid an apostolic foundation in the community that has led Mt. Carmel to be one of the most thriving and pace setting Churches in the city of Hattiesburg.

On June 13, 1999, a historical event took place; Mt. Carmel purchased a multi-million dollar facility and moved from the corner of Mobile and Seventh Street to a new facility located on 1101 Main Street in Hattiesburg, MS.  The present facility seats over two thousand people; it offers the church the physical space needed to support and expand its present operations, ministries and community-oriented programs.  This impact demonstrates what can happen when a leader and a church body is called to serve its community.  His foundational belief is that Church is responsible for rebuilding the community and setting the moral standards for spiritual, educational, economic and developmental empowerment.

The Church has revamped it's in-reach and out-reach effectiveness, by first of all, establishing a clear vision.  In order to expand the scope of the community, Mt. Carmel is now committed to, " Reaching the World in the Spirit of Excellence ".  This simplicity has lead to the increase of forty-four (44) ministries within eight (8) departments and the birth of two other Mt. Carmel Ministries (Mt. Carmel Ministries Vicksburg) located in Vicksburg, MS and Mt Carmel Ministries in Peal, MS.  These services speak to the needs of people and ministers to the whole person.