“And the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.” These were the words pondered in their hearts, the Rev L.W. Watkins organized Mt Zion Baptist Church and assumes leadership in 1934. There were approximately four or five members on the roll. Brother J.B. Thomas, ash Chapman, and Morgan Williams were appointed as deacons. After Rev Watkins, Rev Broxton assumed leadership and Deacons O.V. Branch and Clifton Washington were added to the Deacons. During this time the church was moved from it’s original location on Helen Street. Rev. Mccall succeeded Rev Broxton. Under his leadership; Deacon Frank Colbert was added to the Deacon’s Ministry. Rev L.P. Palmer succeeded Rev McCall. These elders received a good report for they all died in the faith.
In June 1937, Rev. J.W. Gibbs became Pastor. The membership was still in infancy; but lest not forget the words of Christ when he said; “All things are possible, to him that believe.” Under his leadership the church location was changed from E First Street to it’s present site in 1956. Associate ministers included; Rev Lam Brown, Rev Hawkins, Rev Veland, Rev H Prater, Rev Green, Rev Stafford, Rev Harris, Rev Hobson, Rev LV Scott, and Rev Beasley. Deacons under his leadership were Bro Moore, Bro Simpson, Bro Williams, Bro Johnson, Bro Gaines, Bro Daniels, Bro C Washington, Bro Brown, Bro Coles, Bro Miller, Bro Manning, Bro Hamilton, Bro White, Bro Keller, Bro Anderson,and Bro Lofton.
God called Rev Gibbs home in 1986, separating the shepherd from the sheep. Through God’s divine leading, Pastor George B Harris became the Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Under his leadership there were nine men called into the ministry. Rev Steele, Rev A. Harris, Rev Kelso, Rev. Jones, Rev Miles, Rev Moore, Rev Gill, Rev Banks, Minister Hudson, and Minister Bouie. In 2001; construction begin for the addition of the education wing and clerk’s office. A dedication service was held in 2002. Final note was paid in November, 2012. Mt Zion also housed Faith Bible Institute , an accredited three year through the Bible coursefor Christians. The first class graduated 11 students in 2012; and in 2013 graduated 6. The class are still being held. Rev Ronald Jarden joined Mt Zion as an Associate Minister in 2010. Deacon Bouie preached his first sermon in 2014 .
In June 2014; Pastor Harris announced his retirement; and asked us to seek God for our next leader. After seeking for God’s divine will and His appointment; Rev. Ronald Jarden became our next Pastor in October 2014.
Under Pastor Jarden; there were five deacons; Bro Vinton Miller, Bro Lonnie Bickham, Bro Matthew Charles, Bro Clarence Mayes, Bro Louis Freeman, Bro Ellis Jones and two yokes-man; Bro Jimmie Wilson and Bro Terry Stanley. Many who have gone on before us. One associate minister; Minister Kurt Bouie. Many have gone on before us. In 2019; Pastor Jarden selected a newly elected chairman of Deacon Board. Deacon Terry Stanley currently now in 2022; we have Bro Terry Stanley Chairman of the Deacon Board; Bro Matthew Charles, Bro Clarence Mayes, Bro Ellis Jones, Bro Jimmie Wilson, Bro Adrian Arnold. Yokesman; Bro Arthur Washington
Pastor Jarden’s vision has been manifested by putting his Faith in Action and under his leadership, the church had the gutters replaced, the newly LED sign to engage the community was installed in 2015. In 2016, the church purchased property to house the future life center to be named in our late Pastor George B Harris memory. The media ministry has started and we now live stream via Facebook our Bible Study. In 2017; the church has now a newly remodeled kitchen and the Pastor’s office was painted and newly decorated in memory of our deceased member and Brother Pastor Joseph L. Freeman, Jr. for his financial contribution to this project. Also in 2017; we now have the HELP Ministry. This ministry will have back to school drives for those who are less fortunate in the community and also have food to aide those in need. Our latest project was a visible manifestation of God leading our Pastor to rename Tully Street in memory of our late Pastor George B Harris. On May 6, 2017 the vision came to pass. Tully Street is now George B. Harris Street; To God be the Glory! In 2018 the church purchased property for the future Life Center. In 2020 the church purchased a new van March 4, 2020. To God be the glory
In 2020 COVID-19 hit our nation. It was at the recommendation of the CDC that all institutions closed and no public gathering. Pastor Jarden following the voice of God decided to launch our Park and Praise. Parking lot ministry outside to engage the community as our mission stated was put into action. Pastor Jarden never once waivered. Pastor and his family also was struck by a fire which led them to relocate to another resident. Two months later; two hurricanes hit; and yet Pastor and his family continued to move forward and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. As we continued to park and Praise; CDC opened up the nation again limited access of public gathering. The church continued to move forward with Park and Praise and Praise in the Pew. This allowed congregants to worship out side in their vehicles and the entire community could hear the message.
When the hurricane hit; Pastor Jarden put in place shelter for those who didn’t have electricity at the church with air mattresses for families to be comfortable. There also was food and gas made available to each member. He never left the church family. He rode the storm out with the community. In the next two weeks; Pastor and Lady Jarden put in place a truck with full of supplies not just for Mt Zion but the entire community. He gave supplies to local churches to dispense to their congregation. Later the Chairman of the Deacon board put a drive in place the entire community and did a drive through supply pick up. Over 100 cars were served.
In 2021; the church received a newly metal roof on the building. This was paid for by Pastor asking the congregation to help support a building fund drive in six months to get this accomplished. God has been faithful and it is because of Pastor faithful leadership and obeying the voice of God.
In 2022; new windows was placed in our church which enhances the outside of the church a eloquent place of worship. We must take care of God’s house.