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History of New Mt. Zion M.B. Church | |
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History can be defined as a record of past events. What here in follows is a recounting of past events, which make up the history of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church.
On November 14,1892, land was purchased by brothers Hyram Turner, John Clay, Stanford Beach and Twesteen Blanton. The amount of purchase was forty five dollars, paid to Mr. J.L. and Mary Brent. This property measured one hundred square feet by one hundred square feet, and on this land a church was built. It was called New Mt. Zion. The following account records the leaders and board members over the years. The first pastor was Reverend A.C. Lyons, and the deacons included brothers John Clay, Hyram Turner, Stanford Beach and Twesteen Blanton. Reverend Lyons served faithfully for a period of time, then the church was without a pastor. The Reverend Henry Johnson was elected to serve as pastor. He served for a period of time. Then the church’s pulpit was again vacant. The church membership agreed to elect the Reverend Hugh White as pastor. In 1907, Reverend White asked the Reverend Garfield to carry on revival for a week. This was a most successful revival, for at this time one hundred new members were added to the church. Reverend White continued to serve as pastor only a short while before the Leaving the church without a leader again. After a short period of time without a leader the Reverend Please Daniel was asked to serve as pastor of New Mt. Zion. At this time the deacons were brothers Willie Rich, Albert Green, and Wallace Carroll. Mothers were sisters Ellen Watts, Emma Green, and Rosetta White. Reverend Daniel served for a time then the church was without a leader again. The Reverend E.D. Jackson was called on to serve in the capacity of pastor. Reverend Jackson served faithfully for a number of years. It was under Reverend Jackson’s leadership that the church experienced a significant growth, as many members were added to the church role. However, Reverend Jackson moved on and the church was without a pastor yet again. The Reverend Strawder was then elected to serve as pastor of New Mt. Zion. Regrettably, after serving for only a few years Reverend Strawder resigned. The church then elected the Reverend Cheatum as pastor. Deacons at this time were brothers Wallace Carroll, Henry Brown, Albert Green Sr., Regan Jenkins, Willie Bradford, and Archie Kent. The mothers of the church were sisters Lutisha Brown, Rosetta White, Agnes Kent, Agnes Ellis and Lutisha Bradford. Sister Ethel Davis served as church secretary. The church was in poor condition at this time. Under Reverend Cheatum leadership building a new church was seriously considered. Reverend Cheatum served as pastor until his death. After the death of Reverend Cheatum the church elected Reverend Joseph Williams as pastor. Reverend Williams led the church in deciding to build a brick church. Although Reverend Williams was instrumental in the raising of funds toward the new building he resigned soon afterwards, without actually following through on the rebuilding plans, and the church was left without a leader. In 1955 Reverend E.B. Nelson was called to pastor the church. Over a time the deacons included brothers Albert Green Sr., Wallace Carroll, Archie Kent, Regan Jenkins, Willie Bradford, Ward Glover Sr., Charlie Green, Tim Moses, David Jackson and Henry Brown. The mothers of the church were sisters Lutisha Brown, Maude Manning, Lula Carter, Ethel Myrick, Mattie Bradford, and Pearlie Moses. The secretary was sister Bernice Bowman. Deacons appointed by Reverend Nelson in the early years were brothers James Brown and Irvin Todd, while junior deacons were brothers Lemuel Thomas, Dennis Davis and Joseph Scott. At the time of his election Reverend Nelson was informed about the plans to remodel the church with brick and the lack of funds necessary to complete the work. Being agreeable to what had been planed, Reverend Nelson proceeded to offer suggestions for raising sufficient funds to start and to finish the renovation. One suggestion from Reverend Nelson was for twelve members to each select a month in which to raise one hundred dollars. Reverend Nelson took the month of January and raised over one hundred dollars. At years end, enough money had been raised and the church was remodeled. Reverend Nelson’s work had just begun, the membership agreed to purchase new pews. Reverend Nelson initiated another fundraiser. It involved church members saving a dime a day for three months. This drive was a success and new pews were purchased in 1968. In 1969, remodeling efforts were again initiated, as an annex was built. This annex included a pastor’s study, a finance room, and classrooms up stairs, with a kitchen and fellowship hall down stairs. This latest remodeling effort was complete when the inside bathroom facilities were finished. Deacons were brothers Willie Bradford, Charlie Green, Irvin Todd, David Jackson, Regan Jenkins, Ward Glover Sr., James Brown and Tim Moses. Appointed deacon by Reverend Nelson was brother J.C. Robinson. The mothers of the church were sisters Mattie Bradford, Maude Manning, Lutisha Brown, Lula Carter, Doris Todd, Ethel Myrick, Pearlie Moses and Bessie Brown. Secretaries and/or assistant secretaries were sisters Bernice Bowman, Bessie Brown, Marie Davis, Irmarie Donaldson and Teatta Thornton. It was around the year of 1975 the church begin experiencing some turmoil. Hardships within the membership prevailed, and there was general parting of members from the church. Sadly enough, after twenty two years of devoted service and encroaching age, Reverend Nelson was asked to resign and did so in 1977. The church then elected Reverend Henry Lee Hankins to assume the role of pastor. Reverend Hankins served from 1978 until 1987. During his leadership carpet was in stalled in the sanctuary, padding was added to the pews, central heat and air was added to the building, the walls were paneled and a microphone system was added to the church. During his leadership, Reverend Hankins oversaw the organization or re-organization and fully functional establishment of five choirs with in the church: the Gospel Choir, the inspirational Choir, the Youth Choir, the Male Choir and the H.L. Hankins Special. The church grew prosperous under the charismatic visionary leadership of Reverend Hankins. Deacons serving the church were brothers Charlie Green, James Brown, J.C. Robinson, Ward Glover Sr., Tim Moses, and David Jackson. Mothers of the church were sister Lutisha Brown, Lula Carter, Ethel Myrick, Doris Todd and Pearlie Moses. Deacons appointed during Reverend Hankins adminstartion were brothers Donald Lawson and Robert Myrick, secretaries were sisters Irmarie Donaldson, Teatta Thornton, Margaret Johnson, Alberteen London, Cassandra Todd, Lela Brent and Elaine Freeman. After serving dutifully for eight years Reverend Hankins resigned. The church experienced another division and membership upheaval. New Mt. Zion was once again without a shepherd for its flock and floundering somewhat. The name of Reverend Nelvis Rankin was given out, and when contacted about serving as pastor, Reverend Rankin willingly answered the call to serve. Reverend Rankin expanded great efforts to reunify the church, and the church was much enlighten through his leadership, as well as being cheered and inspired by his wit. During his leadership, Reverend Rankin called for togetherness and true faith in God’s will being manifested in the lives of the Christian membership at New Mt. Zion. He chose brother Lester Walls, Herman Morehead and Donald Lawson as trustees. Reverend Rankin was only able to serve for a short period of time. Death claimed him before his first anniversary with the church. After Reverend Rankin’s death the church sought the leadership of Reverend Alvin Walker, the year was 1989. Under Reverend Walker’s leadership attention was directed to the sanctuary where stained window treatment was installed, the building of a brick, free standing sign in front of the church denoting the name of the church, worship services and pastoral charge (I think it important to note this sign was personally built by Reverend Rankin, because of death he was unable to complete it). Reverend Walker’s endeavor to serve the church was accepted for two and one half years, until his resignation was requested. At this time deacons were brothers Charlie Green, James Brown, J.C. Robinson, Ward Glover Sr., Tim Moses and Donald Lawson. Mothers of the church were Lutisha Brown, Teatta Thornton, Cora Bell Scott, and Doris Todd. Deacon appointed by Reverend Walker was brother Jerome Williams. Trustees were brother Donald Lawson, Tim Moses and Luther Steele Jr. On the third Sunday in February of 1992 Reverend George Ferrell was asked to preach for the church’s twenty seventh Homecoming Celebration. His words so inspired the congregation that he was overwhelmingly chosen as pastor in April of 1992. Since the inception of Reverend Ferrell’s leadership, the church has undergone major renovations, installation of an indoor baptism pool, handicap entrance complete with handicap restroom facilities, remodeling of existing bathrooms, new roof, new steeple, the installation of an acoustically accommodating ceiling, the installation of fluorescent lighting along with an exquisite chandelier, the up grading of the sound system and the arrangement for land lease to provide additional parking for special programs. Membership has waned and faltered, but it has not ceased. In April of 2000 a computer was donated to the church by D & G Computers, since then the church has purchased it’s own printer and copier. We now have the ability to print programs for the worship service and records concerning the church at will. In the winter of 2001the walls of the classrooms upstairs were knocked down and the dinning hall was moved upstairs. The church has also purchased new tables and chairs. A television and VCR was donated to the church for our youth meetings, our youth can watch tapes on the Bible, even as they are studying it. As of November 2001, officers of the church are brothers James Brown, Frank McKnight, J.C. Robinson, Richard Sheriff, Luther Steele Jr. and Jerome Williams. The mothers of the church are sisters Mariah McGee, Elizabeth Jackson, Clara Steele and Herticine Taylor. The trustees of the church are brothers Ward Glover Jr., Charles Johnson, Greg Scott and Luther Steele Jr. The church secretary is sister Lela Brent and the assistant secretary is sister Betty Bowman. At our year end meeting in November 2002, sister’s Doris Todd and Georgia Johnson were added to Mother’s Board, brother Greg Scott was set aside for the office of deacon. We the church membership persevere with Jesus as our guide, a God sent leader at the helm, and our eyes on the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus. Information compiled by Sister Lela Brent February 1998 Revised November 2001 Brother Jerome Williams |
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