Trailblazers of the Trinity: The New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth Story (1964–2024)

Trailblazers of the Trinity: The New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth Story (1964–2024). 

For six remarkable decades, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith, hope, and action, addressing the social and spiritual needs of Fort Worth, Texas, and beyond. Known as “Trailblazers of the Trinity,” the church has consistently extended the love of Jesus Christ beyond its sanctuary walls, leaving a profound impact on the community and producing leaders who have broken barriers in fields such as education, music, public service, and civil rights. From its founding by Pastor Milford Kelly to the visionary leadership of Pastor Kyev Tatum, New Mount Rose has served as a hub for innovation, empowerment, and transformation.

The Visionary Beginnings: Pastor Milford Kelly

In 1964, Pastor Milford Kelly founded New Mount Rose with a clear mission: to address the pressing needs of the Morningside community. His faith-driven leadership ensured the church became a catalyst for change, uniting spiritual guidance with practical action.

Pastor Kelly’s advocacy for education led to the establishment of a new high school in the Morningside neighborhood, providing young people with greater opportunities for success. This commitment to youth empowerment extended to his family, with his daughter, June Kelly, becoming a trailblazer in her own right. In 1971, June Kelly made history as the first Miss Black Teenage America, showcasing the values of confidence, resilience, and excellence that Pastor Kelly instilled in his congregation and family.

Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of Shallie Bey, Jr.

One of New Mount Rose’s most distinguished members is Shallie Bey, Jr., whose extraordinary career exemplifies the church’s emphasis on faith, excellence, and service.

A 1971 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in electrical engineering, Bey went on to earn an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 1978, he made history as the youngest and first African American Superintendent of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. Under his leadership, the Mint achieved operational excellence, and his groundbreaking contributions earned him widespread recognition.

Bey’s accolades include being named Purdue University’s Distinguished Engineering Alumnus in 1979 and receiving the title of Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineer of the Year in 1992. In 2019, his remarkable achievements were honored by the Texas Legislature, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Nu Chapter, Shallie Bey, Jr. remains a living legend, embodying the values of leadership, perseverance, and community service.

The Cultural Revolution: Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Legacy

In the 1990s, New Mount Rose became a launching pad for a gospel music revolution. Kirk Franklin, a young and gifted member of the church, rose to international acclaim as the “Prince of Gospel Music.” With his ability to blend traditional gospel with contemporary rhythms, Franklin redefined the genre, creating music that touched millions of hearts and brought the message of Christ to a global audience.

Franklin’s success not only highlighted his immense talent but also underscored New Mount Rose’s role as a hub for nurturing creativity, innovation, and faith.

Empowering Women: Erma Johnson Hadley’s Historic Leadership

In 2009, Erma Johnson Hadley, a longtime member of New Mount Rose, shattered glass ceilings as the first woman and first Black chancellor of the Tarrant County College District. Known for her dedication to equity in education and workforce development, Hadley’s leadership reflected the church’s mission of empowering individuals to make a lasting impact in their communities.

A Modern Trailblazer: Pastor Kyev Tatum

Under the leadership of Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, New Mount Rose has entered a new era of innovation and influence. Pastor Tatum, a civil rights leader, historian, and community advocate, has reinforced the church’s commitment to service and justice.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Tatum transformed the church into a statewide distribution hub, providing over $25 million in food and supplies to thousands of families. This extraordinary initiative exemplified New Mount Rose’s mission to serve “the least, the last, the lost, and the left out” during a time of immense need.

Pastor Tatum has also launched several impactful initiatives, including:

• Farm Fort Worth: Addressing food insecurity in the 76104 ZIP code by creating jobs and providing fresh produce through urban agriculture.

• The Texas 6888th Project: Honoring the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women’s Army unit in WWII, through education and advocacy.

• Youth Coffee Expo: Introducing inner-city youth to opportunities in the specialty coffee industry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

• MLK Hunger Bowl: A collaborative effort to combat hunger and unite organizations in serving underserved neighborhoods.

A Legacy of Faith and Action

For sixty years, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship—it has been a force for change and a source of inspiration. From the educational advocacy of Pastor Milford Kelly to the groundbreaking achievements of Shallie Bey, Jr., Kirk Franklin, and Erma Johnson Hadley, the church has consistently produced leaders who embody faith in action.

As “Trailblazers of the Trinity,” New Mount Rose continues to demonstrate that faith, combined with courage and compassion, can transform communities and change the world. Looking to the future, the church remains committed to glorifying God, empowering individuals, and blazing trails of hope, love, and transformation for generations to come.