Our History

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The first light shed in the minds of the church's organizers, has spread with such force, that it has become a beacon, set upon the hill that beckons men and women onto its path. God, in His infinite wisdom, has brought us from very humble beginnings, to this place of worship, for the edification of the body of Christ. We pause to salute the efforts of our forebears, who, with faith and by the grace of God, were able to press toward the mark, laying the foundation on which we stand.

On Sunday, May 11, 1919, a group of people met in the home of Sylvester and Elsie Steele. (They lived in the Koppers Tie Plant quarters). The group meeting there, who organized themselves as the "Southern Mission Prayer Band," included Chris Boyd, Mary Bibb, Georgia Claybrooks, John and Lizzie Daly, Mary and Robert Ford, Rev. Diamond, Archie, and Dorothy Jones, Beatrice and Francis Nesbitt, Lula Rice, Hattie Wilson, Rev. Bob Wright, in addition to Mr. and Mrs. Steele.

As the group's beacon continued to shine God's light, through them, drew many others, and the group grew to much, that there was no longer room to continue meeting in their homes. An empty house in the Tie Plant Quarters was rented for their subsequent meetings. Being led by the Holy Spirit, the process then began for the establishment of a local congregation, and fund-raising efforts began for the purchase of a lot to erect a permanent building. Enough funds were raised at a "basket dinner rally" to purchase not only a lot but most of the lumber. The men of this group, with the aid of a carpenter, erected a wooden structure at 412 East Willow Street in 1927, which was large enough to accommodate the membership. The organizer and first pastor was Rev. WM Reid, who served from 1919-1924.

During this period, the Zion District Association held its meetings at Hopewell Baptist Church. Fellowship with other congregations was desired, and with the Holy Spirit's guidance, the group formerly known as the "Southern Mission Prayer Band," became the organized hand of believers, known as NEW ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, to reflect its role as a "mission," which was regarded as having a greater purpose than merely a church.

Thirteen Men of God have pastored New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, all of whom have gone to their eternal rest. During these different administrations, the Lord has allowed progress structurally, as well as spiritually. From the records of our structural growth, and under the administration of Rev. WH Clark (who served from 1951-1969), another lot was purchased at the corner of Barnes and Sycamore Streets in November, 1955 where we stand now. The groundbreaking for this new structure was July 15, 1963, and the dedication December 15, 1963. Interior and exterior changes were made in the following years. The parking lot was paved and the choir loft was expanded to accommodate the increased choir membership during the tenure of Rev. WH Mack, who served from 1970-1978. (Rev. Mack, former pastor of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away, December, 2004). Under the administration of Rev. Pythias Frazier, (1979-1991), a parsonage, organ, and church van were purchased. Remodeling was done to the interior and exterior also, including new wall paneling, the glass front doors, pulpit furniture, and women's lounge. A regular Bible study hour was established and a money newsletter started in 1980.

Rev. Norman S. Greer accepted the call of this congregation in August 1991. Under his leadership, New Zion experienced both spiritual and physical growth. Additional Bible studies for young people, conferences for Youth, Women, Pastors, Leadership, prison and self-help ministries, a redeveloped newsletter, auxiliary Open House, Adult Day Camp, Summer Food Program, and social fellowships are but a few of the diverse ministry actives that came about since this administration began in 1991. The congregation experienced phenomenal growth, which let us to the planning, development, and implementation process for a new auditorium.

On April 1, 1994, we were graciously allowed to witness the groundbreaking for our new 5,500 square-foot worship auditorium. On Sunday, October 9, 1994, the morning on New Zion's 75th Anniversary (our "Diamond Jubilee") work on the new auditorium was completed, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held. The Dedication Service was held the following Sunday, October 16, 1994. More structural work was done in 1995, with the former sanctuary transformed into the multi-purpose Fellowship Hall and two church offices completed. Future projects include renovation of the upstairs area, a media library, and more outdoor landscaping. Rev. Greer resigned from the pastorate, June 28, 2010, and relocated to Conyers, Georgia. He passed away on June 18, 2011. 

Rev. Darryl K. Cox began serving as Interim Pastor, January, 2011. The results of the pastoral election, August 27, found Rev. Cox in the unique position of being the first of New Zion's own 'sons' to serve as Pastor. During this period, special days have been established, including Church-wide Cleanup, Friends & Family Sunday and African Attire Sunday. The Youth Department (renamed: STOMP: Serving the One Most Powerful) has experienced renewed energy, with plays, trips and numerous activities for our children, teens -- and their parents. The "Elderberries" (Seniors' ministry) had their first dinner out with the pastor, and more activities are planned. We celebrated Pastor Cox's eighth anniversary, August 25, 2019.

Our sincere heart's desire and prayer to God for New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, is that we will continue to show forth the manifestation of God's grace, through the power of the Word, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, as others are continually led to Christ, the lives of Believers are stabilized, the remnant is sustained and the Pivot is firmly established to all within Her periphery.