About Us

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 In the year of 1923, a band of people met and formed a church on the corner of Eighteenth Street and Persimmon Avenue. Namely Smithville M. B. Church, and it was there that many saints were saved and baptized. The church not only grew in membership but SPIRITUALLY as well.

After many years, sorrow and despair engulfed their hearts. The church was destroyed by fire. The entire sanctuary burned to the ground. The members became discouraged but did not let that stop them from working hard and putting their trust in God to rebuild another church. 

A period of time elapsed and another church was built on Pear Avenue where the annex is presently located, and the name was changed to New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. As the membership flourished, a structure was built directly next to that and designated as the church where it stands now. Oh! Such beautiful memories! 

Some of the contributing families are as follows: Deacon Sam and Mime Smith, Deacon and Mrs. Baldwin, Deacon and Mrs. Johnson, Deacon and Mrs. Jerry Merriweather, Deacon and Mrs. Renza Blacksheare, Deacon and Mrs. Lish Harden, Deacon and Mrs. Willie Perry, Deacon and Mrs. Oscar Merthie, Deacon and Mrs. Austin Jackson, Ms. Irene Copeland, Mrs. Mittie Jones, Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, Ms. Anna Jones, Ms. Eula Mae Scott, Ms. Ola Mae Gordon, Deacon and Mrs. Levi Jones Sr., Ms. Wilma Knight, Ms. Rosa Dillon, Ms. Viola Seabrook, Mrs. Georgia Ross, Mrs. Fannie Bagley, Ms. Zilla Mae Liggions, Mr. Pearlman Brinson, Mr. Johnnie B. Pearson, Mr. Jessie and Mrs. Gordon, Ms. Mildred People-Bookhart, Ms. Wiltha Drummer and many more were all here at the beginning. 

This church was built on a solid foundation with genuine Christian people, working together as one big FAMILY striving for the same purpose of lifting the name of Jesus and thanking him for His goodness and mercy. 

Pastors that served faithfully during their term were: 1. Rev. R. T. Davis, 2. Rev. W. H. Bagley, 3. Rev. James Lynn dedicated his service to the church for thirty-one years until his demise, 4. Rev. Leroy Lee served as our Pastor for 7 years, and afterward, 5. Elder Cornelius Blue served as our pastor for seven years too. Many family members connected to many of our patriarchs and were added to the membership of the Greater New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. 

Today, we are presently receiving God’s word and guidance from two magnificent Elders/members of our congregation. As of mid-December 2018, Elder Alec Hayes Jr. served as our interim pastor along with Elder Earnestine Mitchell. These two elders are a “power-packed” team that constantly delivers the word of God in a manner confirming that all things are possible! On May 19, 2019, Elder Alec Hayes Jr. was installed as the Pastor along with Elder Earnestine Mitchell being selected as the Assistant Pastor. 

Greater New Mt. Zion can and will continue moving to higher heights “In the name of Jesus!” We will absolutely, positively, without a doubt continue to “Rock” while God shows us how to RISE! For John 14:12 states “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”