A History of Faith and Service
Writing the History of Faithful Men and Women
For centuries, it has been customary to write the history of the lives of great men, women, and great organizations. Hence, it is time that we should, as a group of Christians, write about our faithful men and women of the Church, who during their lifetime made a contribution in service worthy of emulation.
This history is given for the inspiration and emulation of the present generation of this Church, who should know something about the beginning of their Church as well as that of others. Also, to acquaint them with those who were the pathfinders and builders of this present Church, and to inform them of the sacrifices and struggles of those faithful men and women who, through their faith in God, made it possible for all to enjoy this sacred house.
Founding of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
The Dispute and Formation
In 1872, a dispute arose during the Session of the National Baptist Convention, Inc., which was being held at the First Baptist Church. Due to this misunderstanding, the majority of the members decided to work with the Boyd Session or the National Baptist Convention, Unincorporated Convention, because it was this Convention that had helped First Baptist Church financially when it was in need of funds.
Like Abraham, known by all Christians as the “Father of the faithful,” who was willing and ready to make any reasonable sacrifice so there would be no strife between his herdsmen and Lot’s because they were related both by nature and spirit, so it was in the mind of the very small group of staunch Christians who left First Baptist Church. They rented an old frame building on the lower end of South Maple Street and organized a Church known then and now as Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Early Leadership and Development
The first Pastor of this newly organized Church was Reverend Jimmy Steward, who set the pace to do or dare. His service continued in this place until his little flock of believers, full of faith and determination, started on another task, led by Pastor Steward and the following members: Brother Sam Level, Isom Randolph, Henry Tilman, Wiley Williams, J. Wesley Maney, Henry McKnight, Jim Windrow, Rufus O’Neal, William Sehorn, James Jett, and Anderson Woods. Sisters Eliza Maney, Laura Overall, Minnie Shane, Alice McKnight, Katie Dartis, Josephine Primm, Mary Smith, Surella Brown, and others, who with a
substantial down payment, brought from Mr. Alexander and Mr. Alsup a plot of land extending from Maple Street to Church Street, bounded on the north by Lytle Street and on the west by Maple Street, on the south by a Livery Stable, now the Pinnacle Bank parking lot, bounded on the east with Church Street extending to the old telephone building, now the Miller Insurance Agency.
Church Development and Renovation
Construction of the Present Church
In 1884, the present Church was built on the corner of Maple and Lytle Streets. The Trustees who handled the business transaction were Brothers Isom Randolph, Henry Tilman, Sam Level, J. Wesley Maney, and Henry McKnight. The Church was built as a sister Church to First Baptist Church. Both buildings were identical in structure with a Parsonage in back of facing Lytle Street. The two churches were the same faith and order.
Pastoral Succession and Challenges
The second pastor of Mount Zion was Reverend C. H. Mason, followed by Reverend Pearson. Twice the Church was closed because of
insufficient funds. Through Reverend Pearson and the National Baptist Convention, Inc., God inspired the officials to lift the load by helping to pay the debt and burning the mortgage. Other pastors of Mount Zion were: Reverend McCoy, Reverend Swift, Reverend Will Henderson, Reverend Bailey, Reverend Houston, Reverend Bedford, Reverend Drake, Reverend McAdoo, Reverend Hall, and Reverend Batton.
Significant Pastoral Contributions
Following next was Reverend A. F. Murray, Reverend Murray was the fourteenth pastor of Mount Zion. During his pastorate, the Baptismal Pool was installed, the Choir stand enlarged, the annex was built, adding to the edifice a kitchen, dining room, classrooms, and two restrooms. Many souls were also saved during his pastorate.
In 1949, Reverend H. L. Jordan became the fifteenth pastor of Mount Zion. Reverend Jordan was a strong leader who stood before the members willing and ready to fight the good fight of faith for God. During his pastorate, the front of the church building was changed from two doors to a one-door entrance. A Pastor’s Study was added, a new dining room was built, and new carpets, pulpit furniture, and a Communion Table were purchased. The Church Parsonage was also purchased, which is located on Poplar Street. Reverend Jordan also instilled in the mind of the majority of the members the value of tithing, which is God’s method for financing His church; the results were the church became free of debt, only monthly expenses, and the church had a sizable treasure. Many members were also added to the church under his leadership. Reverend Jordan remained with Mount Zion for eighteen years.
Special Events and Traditions
Homecoming Day
In 1950, the members of Mount Zion decided to observe one Sunday in the year as a “Get Together Day” with all the ex-pastors, members, and friends in Christian fellowship. This day was named “Homecoming Day.” The first observance of Homecoming Day was held the fourth Sunday in October, and later still to the fourth Sunday in August. Homecoming Day has always been a great day of fellowship and spiritual awakening.
Challenges and Recovery
Tornado Damage and Recovery
In 1968, Mount Zion was severely damaged by a tornado, which made it impossible for services to be conducted in the church. The pastor and members of the (white) Maney Avenue Baptist Church graciously offered their Educational Building to the members of Mount Zion to worship. Some of the members worshiped there, while others worshiped at the Education Center of the Smithfork District Association on Halls Hill Pike. Later, services were conducted in the Fellowship Hall of the church while the Sanctuary was being repaired. Brother Will Drew, Sr., who was the Chairman of the Trustee Board, and Deacon George Daniel, Chairman of the Deacon Board, with the consent of the members, negotiated with Farrer Brothers Construction Company to remodel the entire Sanctuary of the church. A new roof was installed, new pews and carpet were purchased along with seven new Deacon Chairs. The front entrance of the church was also changed to its present appearance, and the outside walls were painted.
One of the new Deacon’s Chairs was donated to the church and paid for from the estate of Sister Etta Jackson, a deceased member of the church. Sister Jackson was a loyal and faithful member of Mount Zion who loved her church and served on the Mother’s Board for many years.
Recent Pastoral Leadership
Pastor R. B. Ragland and Beyond
The next pastor of Mount Zion was Reverend R. B. Ragland. Reverend Ragland accepted the call to become the sixteenth pastor of Mount Zion in 1968. He was a student at the American Baptist Theological Seminary during his pastorate. Rev. Ragland also served as the Bible Instructor of the Smithfork District Association in Murfreesboro while he was pastor of Mount Zion.
In April 1974, Reverend James Vann, Jr., became the seventeenth pastor of Mount Zion. He was a graduate of the American Baptist
Theological Seminary. Reverend Vann was a gentle, patient servant of the Lord who loved the flock of God. He was made the overseer of Mount Zion. His love for the children, young people, the elderly, and the membership as a whole was quite apparent. He remained with Mount Zion as pastor for eight years.
In 1983, Reverend John Ratliff served as interim pastor of Mount Zion for a few months while the church was without a pastor. On October 26, 1983, Reverend James Norwood, Jr. was elected Pastor of Mount Zion. He was the eighteenth pastor of the church. Reverend Norwood was a talented, scholarly pastor. He was a servant of the Lord whom the members believed had been touched and sent by God to carry His Word. Under his leadership, much progress was made in areas of the church, such as the Sunday School Department, B.T.U., the Choir, increase in Bible Study, Prayer Service, and other areas were worked on and carried out under his leadership. An organ for the church was purchased by the members also.
Pastor John Ratliff and Beyond
In 1984, Reverend John Ratliff was called to pastor Mount Zion. Under his pastorate, the church was remodeled. New carpet was installed, pews covered, the sanctuary painted, new lights and window treatments for windows in the fellowship hall were installed. A M.T.S.U. Campus Ministry was started. A college choir also started with students Cedric Caldwell as pianist and Barbara Gibson choir director.
In November 1993, Pastor David Tolbert, Jr. was installed as the 20th pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Under his pastoral leadership and guidance, the following people accepted their calling in the ministry: Pastor
Craig Conyers, Pastor Kenny Donaldson, Pastor Charlie York, Elder Greg Arnold, Minister Lottie Carney, Minister Arthur Drake, Minister Danny Jones, and Minister William Parker.
Under Pastor Tolbert’s leadership, 13.5 acres of land located on Hwy 231 South was purchased for a future Minister Center. The land was dedicated on November 14, 1999. This land was purchased without any debt. The Church parsonage on Poplar Street was sold.
Recent Developments
Pastor Craig Grider and Beyond
On Christmas Day, 2005, Rev. Craig Grider accepted the call to Pastor the Mount Zion Church Family, on that day he preached his first sermon as Mount Zion’s pastor elect. Pastor Grider was officially installed as Mount Zion’s 21st pastor on January 15, 2006. Under the leadership of Pastor Craig, Mt. Zion experienced growth in many areas. Many new members joined, some former members reunited with Mt Zion, and many water baptisms took place. The church added a new roof, a van, remodeled restrooms, added an ADA accessible ramp into the
Pastor Jerry D. Marable
After several months of prayer, in June of 2012, the Church called as interim Pastor, Rev. Jerry D. Marable. After serving one year as interim, and after the Church prayerfully seeking a Senior Pastor, Rev. Jerry D. Marable was called to be the Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary
church, additional musical instruments, a sound system booth, numerous church repairs and upgrades, rental space on Lytle Street for additional ministry, and, last but not least, a much-needed doctrinal statement. Pastor Craig constantly kept his finger pointed to the sky to remind us all that God is doing it all so God be the glory! In October 2011, Rev. Craig Grider resigned as Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Baptist Church. He answered the call on June 8, 2013, and was officially installed on July 21, 2013. As he stated in his letter of acceptance, he promised to “give the Church the best leadership, preaching, teaching, guidance, love,” and the list goes on that any one Church can receive from their pastor. Under Pastor Marable's leadership, our congregation continues to grow.
Historical Marker and Community Recognition
Mt. Zion received a historical marker in 2023 for its contributions to our community and abroad.
Recent Developments
Renovations Under Pastor Marable's Leadership
Under the leadership of Pastor Jerry D. Marable, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church underwent significant renovations and upgrades. These improvements included installing new carpet throughout the sanctuary, repairing and repainting the interior to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. Additionally, the church upgraded its kitchen by installing new cabinets, which improved functionality and efficiency.
Expansion of Mt. Manna Media Ministry
Pastor Marable also oversaw the expansion of the Mt. Manna Media Ministry. This included the addition of a video and graphic design team, which enhanced the church's ability to produce high-quality visual content. The sanctuary was equipped with video monitors and cameras to facilitate live streaming of services, allowing the church to reach a broader audience. A new video booth was installed, and monitors were placed throughout the church to ensure that all attendees could engage fully with the services and events. These technological advancements have significantly enhanced the church's media capabilities, enabling more effective communication and outreach.
