The Oral History of Mount Zion Baptist Church
Est. 1889

Life for Mount Zion Baptist Church began as a song in the heart of a group of vocalists from the state of Virginia. Under the leadership of Reverend G. W. Holland, this group of singers organized Mount Zion in 1889. Shortly afterward the Reverend George W. Johnson  assumed the role as first pastor of the church. During Reverend Johnson's pastorate, Mount Zion worshipped at its Third Street location until fire destroyed the structure in 1904. Reverend Johnson orchestrated the congregation's move in 1907 to a new edifice built on Ninth Street. In the following year, the Lord called Reverend Johnson home after a pastoral tenure of 19 years.

  In 1909, Reverend Richard L. File, a native of Rowan County, accepted the call as the second pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church. During his 36-year mission of faith the church experienced physical and spiritual growth. By 1914 the increasing membership proved to be too much for the existing quarters and a building site at Ninth and Maple Streets was purchased. In January 1916 the first brick for the new structure was laid, with dedication of the completed facility in September 1916. Reverend File's work was so immensely felt that Shaw University honored him with the Doctor of Divinity degree in 1923. Mount Zion installed and dedicated a pipe organ, as well as initiated several church programs, services and missions under Dr. File's pastorate. Dr. File died November 3, 1945.

Dr. Kelly Oliver Perry Goodwin, a native of Washington, DC, answered the Lord's call to be Mount Zion's third pastor in 1946. His family included his wife, Emmalene Hart Goodwin. Under the leadership of Dr. Goodwin, the internal and external structure of the church was vastly improved. Mount Zion established a church constitution and by-laws; joined the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc.; adopted a church wide budget, established the R. L. File Scholarship Fund; established a child day care program; and licensed and trained ministerial students, and the joint worship and fellowship activities with Knollwood Baptist Church which continues today. The years of Dr. Goodwin's pastorate also included the purchase of a Life Membership in the NAACP; increased donations to missions; the initiation of the Expansion Fund and the launching and completion of a building and relocation program. When urban renewal displaced the congregation from its' Ninth and Maple Street edifice in 1963, Dr. Goodwin lead the congregation in the land purchase and the erection of the present church edifice. Dr. Goodwin retired December 31, 1977 after 31 years of service. He was called home to be with the Lord on July 7, 1997.

With the arrival in 1979 of the Reverend Gilbert G. Campbell, Jr., a native of Richmond, Virginia, as its' fourth pastor, Mount Zion experienced more growth, enhanced love of church, and program expansion. Under his management by objective leadership style, Reverend Campbell institutional an annual church budget and encouraged Mount Zion to make more financial investments with its capital holdings. The Inspiration Choir, a audio/video ministry, hand bell choirs, new members' class, Sacred Music Institute and the Athletic Association were enhanced and prompted Mount Zion's refrain: We Are One in the Spirit.

Mount Zion's fifth and current pastor, Dr. Serenus T. Churn, Sr., a native of Camden, New Jersey, accepted the call in 1984. His family includes wife, Shirley and two son, Serenus T., Jr. and Starling T. both of whom were licensed and ordained as Baptist ministers since their arrival at Mount Zion. Dr. Churn has enhanced the administration and operations of the church and extended the church's Christian Mission to the more community involvement. The building of the File-Goodwin Life Enrichment Center has meant new opportunities for service to the church and community.

Under Dr. Churn's leadership, the Child Development Center was re-instituted in 1989 with a staff of 10 providing day care of 60 children. The desire to provide a much-needed service to the elder and their caregivers in the broader community led to the establishment of the Senior Life Enrichment Center. Included in the mission of the Senior Life Enrichment Center is "Super Tuesday" which meets some of the needs for the well senior to learn, fellowship, recreate and maintain a health life style. The establishment of the Youth Ensemble, for ages 13 - 20, the Praise Dancers, and the re-establishment of the scouting programs are designed to reach the youth of the church and community.

The creation of the No Frills Saturday Sabbath Services (come as you are) in spring 1997, provides the opportunity for those members and others in community to hear the Word when a conventional Sunday program does not provide the opportunity. Other community outreach programs include Narcotics Anonymous, Prison Ministry, a Youth Summer Camp Program, and an Youth Education Enhancement Program. The church has seen expansion of its transportation fleet, expansion of the services provided by the Audio-Video Committee and the creation of a state-of-the-art  library with internet connectivity and the recent addition of a computer lab for training of members and members of the community.

Truly,  
The Joy of the Whole Earth is Mount Zion! 
(Psalm 48:2)