Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church

History

Yesterday… Old Church

On July 9, 1876, six Christian soldiers met to organize the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Glendale, Ohio. The Rev. Shelton, organizer and pastor of the Zion Baptist Church, Cincinnati, led the small group in organizing this church as a mission of the Zion Church. The small congregation grew and, Mrs. Isadora Cole organized our first Sunday school approximately 20 years later, around 1899. The first church building on Coral Avenue was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in 1916 under the leadership of Rev. D. C. Ross.

At the departure of Rev. Ross as pastor, the congregation selected Rev. Martin, who after leading the church both spiritually and financially, was forced to resign due to poor health. The Rev. G. T. McCall then became pastor and the church grew steadily under his administration. The church also burnt its mortgage under the leadership of Rev. McCall. The Rev. Chism followed, and God also crowned his efforts with many improvements.

On September 25, 1935, Rev. Young Scott was extended the call. The congregation had by this time outgrown the old structure, and under the leadership of Rev. Scott, constructed a fifteen foot addition to the church building.

Rev. R. B. Thompson followed Rev. Scott, and did much to extend our growth. Among several special projects, new church pews were added during his administration. The Reverends R. E. Smith, T.H. Ferrell, and J. A. Cornelison followed, all working faithfully to further God’s Kingdom.

Rev. Norman L. Townsel was installed as pastor on May 4, 1958. The church continued to grow with several auxiliaries being added under his leadership. A pastor’s study was furnished, and a building fund was also begun.

Rev. Richard L.Waldrop was installed as pastor on March 13, 1966. Rev. Waldrop led a vigorous campaign to build the edifice we now enjoy. Our first service in the new sanctuary was on Easter Sunday morning, March 30, 1975. The educational wing was added and completed in May of 1982. On April 12, 1992, we came to celebrate the burning of the mortgage and to reflect on what great things God had done.

Following Rev. Waldrop’s retirement, Rev. Eugene Sebastian was installed as pastor on August 13, 1995. Under the leadership of Pastor Sebastian the Mt. Zion family continued to grow and to magnify the Lord. Through Rev. Sebastian's involvement with the Glendale Clergy, Mt. Zion received a capital improvement grant from the Proctor Fund. This enabled us to build a garage and storage facility and to remodel the church parsonage occupied by Pastor Emeritus Waldrop and family. Reverend Sebastian retired from his pastoral duties on December 31, 2000. On March 21, 2002, Rev. Kendall Logan was elected to be the 13th pastor of our church and installed on July 21, 2002. He, his wife Staici, and their three sons, Kyle, Kory and Konner, are now vital parts of our Mt. Zion family. Pastor Logan has established our mission …Sharing the Message of Salvation and Discipleship! New ministries, projects and teaching instituted under pastor Logan include the Church Expansion project, Christian Bible Training (CBT), evangelism classes, and intense bible study.

Today…

Our recent pastors’ visions for the church have emphasized fervent, powerful, prayerful spiritual growth. Today we continue with programs designed to enhance our knowledge and equip us for service. There are programs for our youth through the Sunday School, Youth Church, Children’s Band, Guild Girls, Young Men’s Ministry, Youth Bible Study, the Voices of Praise Choir, Pastor’s Choir, the Junior Usher Board, several Youth Retreats, and Vacation Bible School. A nursery staffed to serve during morning worship, along with Children’s Church. Also, our church family supports and encourages academic and behavioral excellence through the Scholarship Fund, the “Best Kids” program, and Christian Pals, a part of the Christian Education Committee that corresponds regularly with college students. This sub-committee also sends these students current issues of BLESSINGS, a quarterly newsletter sponsored by the Family Life Ministry.

Several other ministries are available such as the Single’s Ministry. Many events and fellowship are sponsored by the Family Life Ministry. The Mature Saints meet twice a month for bible study and special activities. They also sponsor vacation excursions and local tours. An “Adopt A Senior” Program has been formed to ensure that auxiliaries share in visitation and the special needs of our older members. There is also a focus on the family through an annual Family Conference and Sunday School Retreat. The Hospitality Ministry has recently reorganized and restructured to produce greater responsiveness and efficiency. And for the sports and health minded, Mt. Zion formed a bowling league and a softball team (league champions for the 2001 season), and many enjoy the Annual Golf Outing. Some of our members also fellowship through an aerobics fitness class held at the church three days a week. And to communicate more efficiently with our members and with the world community, our Website Ministry was instrumental in the development of our website and has the ongoing responsibility for its maintenance. The website address is www.mtzionglendale.com.

In recent years, Mt. Zion has become more active in Baptist Associations, including the Ohio Baptist General Convention. (Our church served as host in August, 1998.) As part of our outreach, there is an active Jail Ministry and Juvenile Ministry. We also recognize our responsibility to the community through our Outreach Committee and civic support.

Regularly scheduled administrative staff meetings have been established along with an Auxiliary Coordination Group which meets quarterly to assist in the communication and coordination of activities and efforts within our church family.

Tomorrow…

To the glory of God, the Mt. Zion family dedicated our church expansion on Sunday, January 8, 2006. God has allowed us to prosper and dedicate a multi-purpose Christian center, classrooms, an expanded kitchen, and a larger entrance area. This will allow adequate seating space for banquets, conventions, plays, and special programs, along with equipment to serve large groups more efficiently and expeditiously. Our families and congregation will also enjoy various sports activities in this much-anticipated facility.

We ask that everyone remain in prayer as we move into the future. In prayerful unity, there is strength. “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18)… And where there is vision, the people prosper! Let us march forward together – armed with anticipation and faith, filled with sincere gratitude for the unfailing love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.