OUR HISTORY

 

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized on Saturday September 19, 1981, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Williams, 117 Vernon Drive, Pontiac, Michigan, under the leadership of Pastor Theodis Horton. The meeting was officiated by two officers of the Crystal Lake District: Dr. Robert E. Bailey, moderator, and Dr. Clifford J. Parker, moderator of ministerial staff. There were twenty-eight persons present. Pastor Theodis Horton, Sister Mary Ann Horton, Brother Jesse Williams, Sister Dorothy Williams, Sister Jackie McDonald, Brother John Leatherwood, Brother Leon McDonald, Sister Gloria Bouie, Sister Constance Bouie, Brother MacArthur McKnight, Sister Julia Johnson, Sister Lucy Weatherby, Sister Lucille Weatherby, Sister Loretta Lewis, Sister Conetta Davis, Sister Ella Mae Thompson, Sister Rosie Bell Lance, Sister Daisy Young, Sister Tina Spears, Sister Lillie Walker, Brother Greg Kirkland, Brother Michael Horton, Brother Ben Reed, Jr., Sister Pearlie Meadows and Brother Roy E. Meadows. The offering that day was $138.50. On Saturday September 26, 1981 at 1:00 PM. The selection of officers took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Foster, 68 North Sanford Street, Pontiac, Michigan. The officers chosen that day were: Deacon John Leatherwood-chairman of the Deacon board, Deacon Leon McDonald, Jr.-cochairman of the Deacon board, Deacon MacArthur McKnight chairman of the board of trustees, Deacon Ben Reed, Jr. – cochairman of the board of trustees, Sister Jacqueline M. McDonald, recording secretary, Brother Jesse Williams, treasurer and Sister Julia Johnson, President of the senior usher board. The first worship service was held on the fourth Sunday, September 27, 1981 at 11:00 am. at the home of, Pastor and Sister Horton. There were twenty-six persons present. The second worship service was held on Sunday October 4 1981, at 11:00 am at 44 North Paddock Street, Pontiac, Michigan. On November 27, 1982 Pastor Theodis Horton resigned as Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church effective December 26, 1982. On January 7, 1983, it was voted that Rev. Walter Rowe become interim Pastor. On March 26, 1983 at 6:00 PM., the voting for the Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church was cast. Rev. Rowe received the majority of the votes over Rev. Jennings, Rev. Simmons, and Rev. Moore. Rev. Rowe accepted the position to serve as Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation increased under the leadership of Pastor Rowe. In the latter part of 1991 Pastor Walter Rowe retired. In December of 1991 Pastor Richard L. Leaks, Jr. was elected as Pastor. Pastor Leaks served until October of 1994 at which time he terminated his tenure as Pastor. On December 30, 1995 Reverend Theodore J. Smith was called to serve as the Pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac. Under his leadership the mortgage for 44 North Paddock Street was paid in full, Mount Zion moved into a new worship facility, at 164 West Lawrence and took on a new spiritual life that enabled the membership to do greater ministry work. Pastor Smith lead Mount Zion to minister through summer outreach programs such as vacation bible school, which averaged 150 to 200 students each night and block parties that ministered to thousands. After fourteen years of faithful service to the membership of Mount Zion, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, Pastor Theodore Smith terminated his tenure as Pastor on Sunday, August 8, 2010. On Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 12:15 PM, the Reverend Kayre W. Stanley, II, was called to serve as Senior Pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac. Under the leadership and tutelage of Pastor Stanley, Mount Zion has begun to see tremendous growth both spiritually and in membership numbers. His leadership has added several ministries and church achievements which include: The Shepherds Care Ministry, the Women’s Ministry, the Men’s Ministry, Book Club, praise dance ministry, the installation of a kitchen and the purchase of our church bus in 2011. Mount Zion has also seen the addition and expansion of the Mount Zion Project, which feeds and clothes the homeless and hungry on the second Saturday of every month. Our most recent achievement is the renovation of our Sanctuary which was begun in January of 2012. Also, in January of 2012, God granted Pastor Stanley with a vision for leadership and direction of Mount Zion membership. This vision is laid out for us in our Theme: “A Kingdom Focused Church.” Under this theme, Pastor Stanley has led our small group leaders to emphasize strong and strategic teaching which encourages and fosters Spiritual growth in all who attend. Pastor Stanley has also led Mount Zion to join the Southern Baptist Convention, which has aided in much of the spiritual growth of the leaders and members of the church.