By By Ida Brown / religion editor
August 3, 2002
During its 116-year history, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church has prospered in a number of ways.
From its humble beginnings in a plank shelter to its current brick structure, Mount Zion has grown not only physically, but also spiritually through increased membership, the implementing of faith-based programs and a commitment to meeting the needs of members as well as the community.
To accommodate its continued growth, the church has taken on a new vision: the building of a family life center.
A shared vision
The Rev. Thomas L. Ardd, who assumed pastoral duties in December, envisioned building the center upon his arrival at Mount Zion. Little did he know, his congregation shared his vision.
As the church's membership of 200-300 continues to grow, space has become limited.
On Sunday, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new center will be held at 1 p.m. Construction will begin the following morning on the $268,000, 6,500 square foot structure. The project is expected to be completed within seven months. Funding comes from donations and tithes.
In addition to providing more space for Sunday School classes, the center also will be the setting for computer classes, workshops, tutoring and exercise classes. It also will be a safe haven for youth activities, such as basketball. And, in the event a member loses their home to fire or some other disaster, the building will provide temporary shelter, Ardd said.
Church history
Mount Zion was organized in 1885 and located on 12th Avenue and 16th Street. The Rev. Jack Faulkner was the church's first pastor and was instrumental in moving the church from a plank shelter to a log cabin.
The Rev. E.B. Young served as the church's pastor from 1889 to 1895. Young did not consider the log cabin suitable for worship and a frame church was built. There, Mt. Zion became a missionary Baptist church.
From 1895 to 1901, the Rev. T.A. Jones served as pastor. During his tenure, a large frame church was built.
The Rev. Benjamin F. Whitehead served as pastor from 1901-1902. During this time, the church was moved to 10th Avenue and 14th Street. It was during this time the church was destroyed by fire.
In 1902, the church was moved to 10th Avenue and 16th Street and was under the leadership of the Rev. Sam M. Moore, who served from 1902 to 1908. It is said the East End School originated at Mount Zion at this time. Moore moved the church to its current site after the building was destroyed during a storm.
From 1909-1942, the Rev. J.T. Flynn served as pastor. In 1928, the old structure on 10th Avenue and 18th Street was torn down and replaced with a brick building. In 1930, the Great Depression came about and Mount Zion struggled to survive. Through the generosity of the late Frank W. Brown and Deacon Junius N. Hill, the church's mortgage was paid.
In 1946, the Rev. C.O. Inge assumed pastoral duties for six months before being called to another congregation. The Rev. E. M. Wicks assumed duties in 1947 and served until 1959. Under his pastorship, an annex was added to the church.
From 1960-1985, the Rev. J.T. Hall served as pastor and during his term the church continued to progress. Among its advancements was the purchase of a van.
The Rev. James E. Mosley was called to Mount Zion in 1985 and became the church's first full-time pastor. Membership increased and there were a number of accomplishments and improvements. Mosley served until 1996.
In December 1996, the Rev. Sammie L. Bourrage Sr. became pastor. Under his leadership, the church acquired a bus and a lighted bulletin board. Bourrage's tenure ended in 2000.
Ardd assumed duties as pastor Mount Zion in December 2001. In the eight months he has served, the church has steadily grown in membership and attendance has increased at Bible study and classes for Sunday school teachers.
Looking ahead
Recognizing the significance of the past, Mount Zion's members are preparing for the future.
Johnson said the church is attuned to the needs of its members socially, economically and spiritually.
Armed with the mission statement "A Church Changing Lives Through Christ With Love and Justice," the congregation embarks upon a new decade to meet the needs and changes of the community.
This will be accomplished through the establishment of programs such as Trailblazers for young boys, teens and young adult men; reorganizing a Young Matrons group; and organizing a Young Adult Choir and Faith Strategy Evangelistic Team. A Clothes Closet has been established, as well as an account at a local pharmacy for senior citizens to acquire medications.