The Mt. Carmel Baptist Church is early in its second century of Christian worship and ministry. Like many other churches, it had its beginning in the hearts of a small group of people. On September 2, 1894, they met in Swann's School House to organize as a Missionary Baptist Church. Fifteen were received into membership of this new church on promise of letters for sister churches and ten others as candidates for baptism. W. F. Shannon was called to be our first pastor.

This first service was held on the third Sunday in September, 1894. A building committee was formed immediately and went to work. On Christmas Day of that year the church house was used for the first time. Total cost was $1245.27. This section is still part the main part of the existing Choral Suite Area and the current ministry staff offices. A Sunday School was organized in April, 1895, and Sunday School classrooms were added in 1919. After voting to become a "full-time" church in 1941, the church began to grow in attendance, program, and mission concern.

An educational building was erected in 1957 under the leadership of Pastor Bruce Ousley. He served Mt. Carmel for 27 years during his two separate tenures. He was much loved and is buried alongside his wife in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In 1982 our pastor, Bill Owen, came to Cross Plains to lead and serve our church. During the time of his ministry we have grown in our love for God and one another. An educational area was dedicated in 1985, currently providing space for our preschool and children. Our recently completed youth annex, worship center and remodeled educational space serve as a testimony to God of our love for Him and our commitment to this community and beyond. This has truly been a journey of faith and dedication.