As we survey Mt Sinai's years of continuous progress we observe that from its beginning, Bishop Jackson was a vital part of this remarkable organization. When God led Bishop Ida Robinson to step out and be an instrument of His to loose the women, Mary E. Jackson was there as a charter member.
During the 1860's, a quest for perfect sanctification began in the Methodist Church. The outgrowth of this desire to live a holy life was the holiness movement. Mary E. Jackson took the ' same route as did some Methodists before her. As a child in Florida, she learned of the Lord in the Methodist Church. Later with a growing desire to live a more sacred life, she sought God more and was sanctified, called to the ministry, and ordained in the United Holy Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There she met Sister Ida Robinson and affiliated herself with this dynamic woman who preached "Holiness."
Being a good follower made her a good leader. Knowing the hostility that Bishop Robinson encountered in a male-dominated religious society, Bishop Jackson endured hostility and continued to preach Holiness and endeavored to upgrade the status of women. Many children who attended Mount Sinai's Conventions looked forward to the hugs, kisses, and other warm responses that Bishop Jackson sent their way. They listened attentively to her remarks and sermons that would sometimes contain cutting words, "for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness." Occasionally small groups gathered to discuss and elaborate on what she said. There were those who would ask her to clarify questions that they had about her sermon. She welcomed the opportunity to help people, young and old, to please God and prepare for eternal life. Her manner was firm and honest. Yet she would capture the love, respect, and devotion of those who realized their need for guidance from a responsible servant of God.
Bishop Jackson's varied experiences enabled her to counsel people of all ages. She often spoke of her mischievous deeds as a child and also the honor and respect she had for her parents. She knew the penalty of disobedience and the rewards for obedience. She realized the pain of an unsuccessful marriage and the joys of a happy one. Best of all, she knew the feeling of hunger and thirst for righteousness and the joy of being filled with the Spirit of God.
In January of 1955, Bishop Jackson became the fourth beloved pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Wilmington, DE. During her tenure there, she was instrumental in helping the church to purchase the building at its current location of 23rd and Pine Streets. Upon the death of Bishop Elmira Jeffries, the second president of Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Incorporated, Bishop Mary E. Jackson, became the third president of the organization. Bishop Jackson then assumed the pastorate of the mother church, Mount Olive Holy Temple, in Philadelphia.
On October 26, 1980, Bishop Mary Elizabeth Jackson retired from active pastorate service. When she passed away to be with the Lord on November 8, 1983, her age was 102 years and 2 months. Her official titles were Pastor Emeritus of Mount Olive Holy Temple and President of Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Incorporated.
