Our Legacy
Mt Zion Baptist Church History
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, according to the cornerstone, was founded September 24, 1889, under a stately brush harbor near the present site of
our church today.
After consolidating the public schools in 1957, Mt. Zion's old school building was renovated and was once used as apartment dwellings, housing families who are members
of the church.
The "historical" church was built under the leadership of the late
Rev. Whatley A. Bowens in 1962. The Senior Deacons at that time were
John Cheeks, Chairman of the Board; Clyde Williams, Clerk; Marshal Stringer, Roy Stringer, Fletcher Williams, and Dan Cowart. Renovations on this structure in 1976 and 1977 included the addition of central heat,
air conditioning, and a new pastor's study.
In 1980, the Rafe Banks family of Gainesville, GA, donated a parcel of land to the church through Deacon Robert Stringer, who was Chairman of the Deacon's Board at that time. The church had only to have the property surveyed and deeds transferred. The Citizens Bank of Gainesville, GA, donated a building to our church, which was renovated for a parsonage. This building was once a housing unit for one of our church families. The church parking lot was paved during the late 1980's.
In 1983, Mt. Zion Baptist Church added a dining area which included a Fellowship hall, restrooms were remodeled, and a choir room was added.
In 1984, a library was added with Rev. B. H. Bailey serving as Chairman. The cooperation and willing work of the Deacons and Trustees contributed to the successful completion of this project.
During the fall of 1987, Mt. Zion purchased a bus to carry the church family to and from destinations involving our church.
In 1994, a large portion of property was gifted to the church and was later used as additional burial ground.
In 1995, our church pledged to contribute three thousand dollars per year over a three-year period to the Beulah Rucker Museum and Educational Foundation, Inc. We completed that commitment in record time.
In 1997, a new bus was purchased.
In 1998, an Educational Scholarship fund was established for our students pursuing a degree in higher education. Sis. Sharon Hodges, Sis. Janice Long, and Sis. Maggie R. Lowe served as the committee members.
In 1999, the musical equipment was updated with the purchase of a new piano.
In 2001, the Boy Scouts were organized under the leadership of Deacon Tommie Randolph.
On March 11, 2002, our Deaconess Ministry was organized. Other auxiliaries not aforementioned include the Senior and Junior Usher Boards; Board of Trustees and Laymen.
In 2003, the Greeters Ministry was approved for sponsorship by WMZU (Women of Mt. Zion Uniting).
In 2004, Pastor Eddie W. Bailey, Sr.'s vision to build a new sanctuary came to fruition when Carroll Daniel Construction was hired as the contractor for this $1.5 million project. A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held May 23, 2004.
On Sept. 11, 2005, a Dedication Service took place to open Mt. Zion's new 15,400 square-foot building which includes our current sanctuary.
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our church today.
After consolidating the public schools in 1957, Mt. Zion's old school building was renovated and was once used as apartment dwellings, housing families who are members
of the church.
The "historical" church was built under the leadership of the late
Rev. Whatley A. Bowens in 1962. The Senior Deacons at that time were
John Cheeks, Chairman of the Board; Clyde Williams, Clerk; Marshal Stringer, Roy Stringer, Fletcher Williams, and Dan Cowart. Renovations on this structure in 1976 and 1977 included the addition of central heat,
air conditioning, and a new pastor's study.
In 1980, the Rafe Banks family of Gainesville, GA, donated a parcel of land to the church through Deacon Robert Stringer, who was Chairman of the Deacon's Board at that time. The church had only to have the property surveyed and deeds transferred. The Citizens Bank of Gainesville, GA, donated a building to our church, which was renovated for a parsonage. This building was once a housing unit for one of our church families. The church parking lot was paved during the late 1980's.
In 1983, Mt. Zion Baptist Church added a dining area which included a Fellowship hall, restrooms were remodeled, and a choir room was added.
In 1984, a library was added with Rev. B. H. Bailey serving as Chairman. The cooperation and willing work of the Deacons and Trustees contributed to the successful completion of this project.
During the fall of 1987, Mt. Zion purchased a bus to carry the church family to and from destinations involving our church.
In 1994, a large portion of property was gifted to the church and was later used as additional burial ground.
In 1995, our church pledged to contribute three thousand dollars per year over a three-year period to the Beulah Rucker Museum and Educational Foundation, Inc. We completed that commitment in record time.
In 1997, a new bus was purchased.
In 1998, an Educational Scholarship fund was established for our students pursuing a degree in higher education. Sis. Sharon Hodges, Sis. Janice Long, and Sis. Maggie R. Lowe served as the committee members.
In 1999, the musical equipment was updated with the purchase of a new piano.
In 2001, the Boy Scouts were organized under the leadership of Deacon Tommie Randolph.
On March 11, 2002, our Deaconess Ministry was organized. Other auxiliaries not aforementioned include the Senior and Junior Usher Boards; Board of Trustees and Laymen.
In 2003, the Greeters Ministry was approved for sponsorship by WMZU (Women of Mt. Zion Uniting).
In 2004, Pastor Eddie W. Bailey, Sr.'s vision to build a new sanctuary came to fruition when Carroll Daniel Construction was hired as the contractor for this $1.5 million project. A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held May 23, 2004.
On Sept. 11, 2005, a Dedication Service took place to open Mt. Zion's new 15,400 square-foot building which includes our current sanctuary.
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Mt. Zion Historic Site
