Mount Olivet Baptist Church (known until 1932 as St. Paul Baptist Church) was formed in 1922 by former members of Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. T. J. Carr. The congregation met in Carr's home on St. Anthony Avenue in St. Paul at first, but soon moved to larger quarters in a storefront on Rondo Avenue and Kent Street. In 1923, the congregation broke ground for its first building at the corner of Central and Mackubin Avenues, but construction was not completed until 1951, when the building was finally dedicated. Under the leadership of Rev. James W. Battle, who served as pastor from 1972 to 1997, the church grew quickly. In 1974 the congregation erected a new building, and added an education wing in 1992. After Battle's retirement in 1997, the length of Central Avenue between Western and Dale Streets was renamed Reverend Dr. James W. Battle Avenue.
From the guide to the Church records, 1922-1998., (Minnesota Historical Society)
