Church
History
Everything
has a beginning in some sense of the word. The beginning of
this sacred Sanctuary is one of which we can all be proud. It
was with great joy and dedication that this spiritual edifice
came into being.
In the year of 1915, a
small group of members held regular prayer meetings and church
services in the Loving Home Society Lodge; and with the spirit
of Christian love, land was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Macon
for the construction of what would initially be called White
Head Primitive Baptist Church.
The church was organized
under the devoted leadership of Elder G.W. Warner. A small room
which was approximately 14’ x 18’ served as the
starting point for the church. With the idea of “Lifting
Up The Name of Christ”, the church members joined together
and began a great march towards the light of salvation and delighted
in God. Great spirituals such as “Going to Make It Anyhow”
and “Where Jesus Leads Us, We Will Follow” still
permeate throughout our loving church to this very day.
Original founding members
back in our early history were Pinkie Hunter, Gussie Footman,
Alfred Footman, a Mrs. Knight, Addie Taylor, Mother Minnie Warner
(wife of Elder Warner) and their children, Phyllis and Lottie
Warner. Also Thedell Cruel, Lessie Cruel, Rosa Lee Cruel, and
William Reaves Sr. served along as Missionary Baptists (attending
services at White Head). There was also one Deacon, William
(Bill) Taylor.
Elder G.W. Warner and the
small group of members began to build upon a solid and steadfast
foundation which
recognized Christ as the center of all activities, and the church
began to grow.
Our new Pastor, Elder Tellis
was installed in 2005, and Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church
is now poised to do great work in this new century in carrying
out her mission of uniting, empowering, teaching, and uplifting
the next generation by The Power of The Holy Ghost through the
anointed word of God.
Other Pastors who have served in the History
of Mt. Zion:
| Elder Andrew Miller (circa 1919) |
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| Elder C. B. Garett (circa 1921) |
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| Elder James Landers (cira 1923) |
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| Elder T. B. Bisbee (1925) |
Led the church in spiritual uplift, as people
came from far and near to hear him preach The gospel. |
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| Elder R.H. Reed (1926-1927) |
Was called to pastor the church and served
for nearly two years. His contributions included strong
organizational skills and spiritual development. Several
more converts were added under his pastorate. |
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| Elder W.M. Green (1928-1932) |
The seventh pastor, Elder Green served with
distinction. No mistakes were made in the call for this
pastor, for Elder Green proved himself to be a great organizer
and convincing gospel preacher. He drew several more converts
to the church. |
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In 1930, after 15 years of existing under it’s original
name, members became uncomfortable with the fact that White
Head was a name associated with a former local plantation, and
after much prayer and consideration our church became The Mt.
Zion Primitive Baptist Church.
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| Elder D. A. Belford (1932-1942) |
Served Mt. Zion for the next ten
years, and served her well. Under his leadership the second
church structure was built thanks to the tireless efforts
of members Willie and Ed Hunter (during the interim, services
were once again held in the Loving Home Society Lodge). |
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| Elder G.H. Hobbs (1942-1949) |
Led our church for the next seven years. With
him as Pastor, additions were done to the sanctuary by Deacon
Floyd which allowed for a choir stand. This marked the beginning
of the first choir. |
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| Elder S.S. Simmons, Sr. (1949-1959) |
Was elected to serve as our tenth Pastor.
His contributions as a pastor were numerous and he is best
remembered for his strong organizational skills and enhancing
the spiritual develop of our church at that time. |
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| Elder C. J. Jones (1959-1970) |
Proved himself as a great gospel minister
and under his care, Mt. Zion’s annex - which included
a kitchen and dining area- was built. (Prior to the building
of the annex, Loving Home Society Lodge was used for dinner
events) |
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| Elder S.S. Simmons, Jr. (1970-1983) |
Led in the expansion of the physical facilities,
and was a great gospel preacher and singer. Elder Simmons
led the way in constructing a new sanctuary, a project that
was successfully completed in 1979. |
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| Elder Lee Harris (1984- 1993) |
Was elected in 1984, and immediately began
restoring the spiritual focus of the Church and the surrounding
community with the help of Almighty God. He taught the ideals
of Christian Discipleship and eternal vigilance in spiritual
matters. He also taught the flock the importance of trust
and honesty in handling
the affairs of the church. During his pastorate, the church
witnessed great spiritual growth. |
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| Elder Kimball Thomas (1993-1997) |
Was an inspiration to the members of Mt. Zion.
Several new programs were added to the church calendar and
many landscaping projects took place under his leadership.
A high school principal, Elder Thomas stressed the importance
of Education as well as Christian Discipleship. |
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During the period from 1997 thru early 2000, Mt. Zion was without
a Pastor.
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| Elder Dwayne O. Gavin (2000-2004) |
Answered the call and became our
fifteenth Pastor. He had a
lot of love for the flock, and wanted all to know The Lord
on a
personal level. |
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| Elder Kenneth B. Tellis (2005 to present) |
Was sent by God to lead us and inspire us
to go higher.
Elder Tellis is a strong bible teacher, and passionate preacher
of the Gospel. He has worked diligently to develop Mt. Zion
in many facets including the Youth, Men, and Outreach initiatives. |
