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 Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
History Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church History 1952 & Beyond
62 YEARS OF HIS BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS
In the year of 1952, Reverend Raymond Williams had a vision and turned that vision into reality by forming a Mission and later transforming that Mission into Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. The Mission was started with six people. The congregating place was in the pastor's backyard. Furniture was donated but due to in inclement weather, everything was ruined and another congregating place was sought.
During this time, we were worshiping with Reverend L. Mack and the Salem Missionary Baptist Church. The pastor called a meeting at his home. It was then decided that since we couldn't find a place to rent, we would try to purchase a place. Although funds were limited, we were left with no other alternative, so we kept working and praying. By and by, the Lord heard our cry and we found a location at 117 Reynolds (corner of Tremont St., a storefront). The deal was closed on October 1, 1958 and we were blessed enough to move in by month's end. Our first Business Meeting was held November 3, 1958. We remained there for thirteen years. Nothing seemed to go our way but trouble, but not once did we give up. Again, we kept on working and praying. Things became so difficult until some members walked out leaving us with ten or twelve members who kept holding on. Finally, by and by, again, the Lord answered our cry.
We were able to march out of the storefront at Reynolds & Tremont Street to a real building where we currently reside at the location on March 19, 1972 formerly known as 131 Bronson Avenue which has been rezoned and is now 131 Dr. Samuel McCreeWay . If you will notice the parable that Jesus gave in the scripture Matthews 20, "Go ye into the vineyard and work, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." We believe that we have received some pay for our work because we can look back and wonder how we made it. We're still thanking and praising God for his wonderful blessings.
God blessed us tremendously in the year of 1973. The membership escalated and with everything we started, God blessed it to be a success and as our pastor says, "To God Be The Glory."
We were able to pay off our mortgage in the year of 1982. We were blessed with a new roof and siding for the church. As Psalms 23:4-5 reads, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for thy art with me, they rod and thy staff, they comfort me, thy preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thy anoited my head with oil, my cup runneth over." The blessings for us kept flowing.
In the year 1984, we were blessed and was able to add a 24 x 40 dining area and new restrooms. We were also able to add a wheelchair ramp.
The blessings are so plentiful that we can't name them all. We have a new pastor whom the Lord placed as the shepherd of his sheep in the person of Reverend Douglas Hunter. He has been the shepherd for the past 13(thirteen) years. Under his leadership, we were able to purchase two vans, new pews and carpeting. Our pulpit has been expanded and is absolutely gorgeous. The year of 2008, the Lord blessed us to have a parking lot added. In the year 2012, a new pastor's study was built thanks to the hands of Brother Glennie Prior and others. It is a site to behold. In the
year 2013 our dining area was remodeed due to the tireless works of
Brother William Gause. It is absolutely a beautiful place in which to
dine and we are so very proud of the beautification.
The pastor has many visions for Mt. Zion and with the help and prayers of the members and blessings of the Almighty, those visions will also transform into reality.
We thank everyone for your contributions along with your prayers. You made the difference with your dedication and sacrificial support. No matter how big or small, God has blessed us through it all. Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church is now a beautiful building in which to worship. "To God Be The Glory." May the blessings of God continue to flow in the lives of each of you. From the pastor, we thank you, you, and you for all you have done and are continuing to do.
REVEREND DOUGLAS HUNTER
PASTOR
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