History
The Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg, Pennsylvania continues to do bigger and better work for the Master, and as we journey onward to the future, we are proud of our past history.
1897 – 1928
In 1896, the late Evangelist Prophet, Andrew Jones came upon a group of men playing cards in a Stone Quarry on Rowland Avenue. Being a preacher, he naturally began preaching to them, right at that moment. He continued to visit that site every day and pray until one day, Prophet Jones convinced these men to give their lives to Christ. As a result, plans began almost immediately to develop a Sunday School and Church – what would later become Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Shortly after this, Rev. Burrell came to these men and women and was accepted as their leader. He organized them into a mission and faithfully preached The Word of God to them. Many of the members often visited The White Baptist Church of the area. On November 7, 1897 the Negro Baptist Mission requested the White Baptist Church to form a council to set them apart as a formal Baptist Church. The council was called on December 1, 1897 by Rev. Simon Peter Davis, the pastor of the White Baptist Church of Holmesburg. The council advised the Mission to unite with The Second Baptist Church of Frankford. Rev. James Summer, Pastor of Second Baptist Church received these members very graciously and after a few months, sent them back to Holmesburg as an organized church.
From there, the church saw over two decades of change and prosperity, with five different pastors – each of whom helped the church grow. As the years went by, Mount Zion went from hosting services in a shack on the Holmesburg Granite Quarry to a one-story building on Rowland Avenue to eventually, a new church built on the land that is still Mount Zion’s home today.
1929 – 1965
In 1929, Rev. E. Theodore Lewis was called to the pastorate of Mount Zion. He was vigorous and gifted with a genius for leadership. Under his pastorate, and the pastorate of his successor, Rev. Joseph E. W. Dyches, Mount Zion found financial stability and marked improvements to the church.
On February 8, 1940, Rev. A. W. Nix, a former pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, was unanimously called to serve. He accepted the call, and became one of the Church’s most outstanding ministers. He was a great evangelist, church builder, and financier. Many new members joined the Church and the Junior Church, and the Church prospered. After two years of illness, Rev. Nix was called to Glory on January 10, 1949.
Rev. John Silvanus Wilson was called as pastor of Mount Zion in December 1949. He was an outstanding orator and advocate for youth ministry, which motivated him to institute an annual Youth Week of celebration which included debates, drama productions and a youth prayer service.
Following Rev. Wilson, Rev. Charles Marks was called as our pastor in March 1959. Rev. Marks was instrumental in starting a scouting program and the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). He was the force that pushed the church forward, and led to the construction of a new educational building. Rev. Marks was a Christian gentleman, a man of firm convictions, and one who had insight, patience and fortitude. Because of Rev. Mark’s tenacity and strength, the educational building, which was a lifelong dream, became a reality.
1966 – 2000
Following the improvements made by Rev. Marks, his successor, Rev. Lamb was instrumental in the construction of a new edifice for Mount Zion. And on October 1, 1972, the Mount Zion Church family entered the present sanctuary.
Throughout the tenure of Rev. Lamb, he proved himself to be a “Spiritual Giant.” He was very sincere in his efforts in support of Christian Education. He held Bible classes for adults, young adults and children. He also greatly strengthened the training sessions for both the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and staff. He always continued to be concerned about the development and strengthening of Christianity in the lives of all.
Following Rev. Lamb, Mount Zion called Rev. Waller as pastor on April 13, 1980. Rev. Waller was a kind, jovial, compassionate leader. It was a union of love and ministerial respect and during his tenure, the church found a greater emphasis on community and education. His vision of a Chapel for Mount Zion was presented to the church and was in the process of being realized when God called him home on October 18, 1993. The Rev. R. Johnson Waller Memorial Chapel was later completed and dedicated in his memory.
On November 5, 1995 Rev. Loreno R. Flemmings was called to the pastorate of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg. Under his leadership, several new church and community ministries and activities were established including a Youth & Family Program, a Men’s Fellowship Group, a Music Committee, and a New Membership Committee.
In 2000, after Rev. Flemings left the church, the Mount Zion Baptist Church family began an extensive search for its next pastor. During this period, the Deacons were instrumental in maintaining the spiritual growth, fellowship and worship among the church members to the glory of our Lord and Savior. Rev. Arthur E. Boston, Chairman of the Deacons and a son of Mount Zion, was nominated and approved to be the Spiritual Leader of Mount Zion during this period. Rev. Boston served in this capacity until the calling of Pastor Scott C. Dorsey in 2004.
2004 – Present
Following the improvements made by Rev. Marks, his successor, Rev. Lamb was instrumental in the construction of a new edifice for Mount Zion. And on October 1, 1972, the Mount Zion Church family entered the present sanctuary.
Throughout the tenure of Rev. Lamb, he proved himself to be a “Spiritual Giant.” He was very sincere in his efforts in support of Christian Education. He held Bible classes for adults, young adults and children. He also greatly strengthened the training sessions for both the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and staff. He always continued to be concerned about the development and strengthening of Christianity in the lives of all.
Following Rev. Lamb, Mount Zion called Rev. Waller as pastor on April 13, 1980. Rev. Waller was a kind, jovial, compassionate leader. It was a union of love and ministerial respect and during his tenure, the church found a greater emphasis on community and education. His vision of a Chapel for Mount Zion was presented to the church and was in the process of being realized when God called him home on October 18, 1993. The Rev. R. Johnson Waller Memorial Chapel was later completed and dedicated in his memory.
On November 5, 1995 Rev. Loreno R. Flemmings was called to the pastorate of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg. Under his leadership, several new church and community ministries and activities were established including a Youth & Family Program, a Men’s Fellowship Group, a Music Committee, and a New Membership Committee.
In 2000, after Rev. Flemings left the church, the Mount Zion Baptist Church family began an extensive search for its next pastor. During this period, the Deacons were instrumental in maintaining the spiritual growth, fellowship and worship among the church members to the glory of our Lord and Savior. Rev. Arthur E. Boston, Chairman of the Deacons and a son of Mount Zion, was nominated and approved to be the Spiritual Leader of Mount Zion during this period. Rev. Boston served in this capacity until the calling of Pastor Scott C. Dorsey in 2004.
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On September 2, 2018, Reverend Darren Umble began serving as Interim Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg. The church united in prayer and fasting to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit as the Pastoral Search Committee began their journey for our next Pastor. In December 2020, the church voted to receive the Pastoral Search Committee’s recommendation, and Reverend Umble became the Pastor-Elect. On September 25, 2021, Reverend Darren Umble was installed as the new Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg.