The History of Mount Zion Baptist Church
Farnham, Virginia: 1866-2022
The Mt. Zion Baptist Church grew out of the Farnham Baptist Church which had its beginnings in 1776. During the years of 1855 to1860 the Farnham Baptist Church was enjoying prosperity in its membership. The church house was divided into two parts. The lower part of the church house was seated with white membership and the galleries were filled with the black(colored) people.
In 1861 at the onset of the Civil War the Farnham Baptist Church suffered greatly. Many of their younger white members went off to war and those who remained became spiritually disengaged. The blacks in the community appeared to be more faithful than usual which resulted in a large increase in black baptisms. During the span of the Civil War Farnham Baptist Church baptized 112 persons most of which were black.
It is recorded that in 1863 a black man known as Aaron who belonged to Sydney Lane replaced William Rich who had died and Beverly, a servant of Mrs. Anderson replaced Wilson to H. Dudley, who had joined forces with the "enemy", were appointed deacons of the black membership.
In the year 1866 the black membership requested to be dismissed from Farnham Baptist Church to form a church of their own race. Their request was approved and they formed the Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the assistance of by the Pastor of Farnham Baptist Church who prepared for them covenant and articles of faith.
On April 4,1869, the corner stone was laid for a building in Ivanhoe, Virginia, now known as Downings, Virginia. This building was named Mount Zion Baptist Church. It was a house of worship for twenty-six professed Christians.
The Rev. Peter Blackwell of Heathsville, Virginia became the first minister from 1869 to 1883.During his administration ,a Sunday School, which had operated independent in a home before the church was organized, continued to grow.
Rev. Jacob Robinson succeeded Rev. Blackwell in 1884. In addition to being a house of worship the church house was rented out as a public school house until 1890.
Plans were initiated for a new Church in 1887. The old church was moved aside so the new church might occupy the same site. The corner stone from the old church was laid in the new church in October 25,1890.
During the construction of the new church, a new auxiliary, The Women's Club, came into existence. This organization was later organized as the Missionary Circle.
A piece of land adjacent to the church, property was purchased and on it a hall was built in which all entertainments of similar nature were held. The new church was dedicated solely to religious services New pews were purchased for the church in 1894.
Rev. H. Washington began his pastorate in 1903. This period is remembered for its stirring revivals and large baptisms. This addition of a pulpit room, and the laying of plans for purchasing more land, were evidences of material growth. Rev. Washington served the church until his death in 1915 Rev. LC. Newman succeeded Rev. Washington ,and served until 1922. The land now used for the cemetery was purchased during his pastorate.
Rev. J. R. Henderson followed Rev. Newman and served until his death in 1940.. The front of the church was remodeled during his administration, and the church was lighted. Also during his administration the Church Sunday School increased rapidly in membership and was rated as a standard Sunday School.
Rev. B. F Bunn was called to Mt. Zion in 1941. The choir was organized, enlarged, and a junior choir started. Plans for a building program were laid, and the financial strength of the church increased. Printed leaflets of the order of service were used for this time.
Rev. Allix B. James succeeded Rev. Bunn in 1945. Under his leadership and guidance the building program was carried forward. The services of the church were extended. On January 14, 1945. The Mt. Zion Outlook" was presented to the church. Members and friends are kept informed as to the church's happenings through this medium.
Other improvements to the church are the installation of a centralized heating plant, the addition of more rooms, the purchase of an electric organ and improvement in general to our auditorium. Rev. James served until 1957.
Rev. Lawrence B. Samuel was called in 1957. During his administration an ample supply of water was made available, church grounds paved, church parsonage built, and the Sharps Recreational Center purchased and modernized. In 1966, the church realized the necessity, and made improvements to its interior and exterior. Rev, Samuel served until 1969.
Rev. Buie served as pastor of Mt. Zion from 1969 to 1981.Under his leadership the church annex (Fellowship Hall) was built. The church installed the public address (PA) system and sidewalk around the church and the fellowship were poured.
In 1983, Rev. Alvin Taylor became the Minister at Mt. Zion. He served the church until 1989.
During his administration the Spring Youth Revival was established with youth serving in the leadership position. Church envelopes were used for the first time and the Love offering was instituted. The number of choirs were increased with the Combined Voices and the Men's Choir.. The youth Choir was restructured Office equipment was purchased in which included the copier, a typewriter, and an adding machine. The interior of the church was painted and the central air system installed. Also during the administration of Rev. Taylor new front doors were installed, the Cemetery Endowment Fund was created as well as the Bayton Phillips Scholarship Fund.
Rev. George Langhorne served as pastor from 1989 to 1991. His administration included a co pastor, Mrs. Shirley Fountain.
Ministries
Mt. Zion has several ministries which handle the administrative, business, and spiritual needs of the church. These positions demand spiritual gifts, commitment, loyalty, and passion to serve God and our church. A listing of our church ministries appear below.
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Deacon's Ministry
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Deaconess Ministry
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Finance Ministry
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Trustee Ministry
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Men's Ministry
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Combined Voices
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Senior Choir
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Youth Ministry
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Usher's Ministry
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Pastoral Aide Ministry
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Music Ministry
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Technical Ministry
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Culinary Ministry
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Missionary Ministry
From 1991 through 1993 Mt. Zion was without a pastor, but we were blessed to have Rev. Leon Baylor to carry on with our Sunday services.
In 1993 the Rev. Dr.PaytonT.Butler became the Pastor of Mt.Zion. During his administration additional land was purchased for the cemetery. The junior choir begin to sing on first and third Sundays and they purchased robes. The church purchased a bus and Heritage Day festivities became an annual fund raising activity. The Deacon board was expanded to the inclusion of the Deaconess Ministry. The scholarship opportunities were increased to include the Abena Carter Scholarship Fund and the Helping Hand Academic Growth fund (HE.A.G.). Breakfast with Pastor and First Lady was instituted occurring the first Sunday of each year.
Rev. Ernest Webster served as pastor from 2003 until 2008. During his administration improvements to the church and the Sharps Center took place. The main focus was on youth activities which included Memorial Day of Fun. This activity included outdoor activities sports, events, food and music.
Rev. Melvin Shearin, II served as pastor from 2009 until 2015. During this time gutters were installed on the church, annex, parsonage, and center: the church entrance was refurnished with ceramic title; the driveway to the parsonage and center were paved, the church parking area was repaved; and a new furnace was installed in the church. Also during Rev. Shearin's administration UMI Workshops/Training sessions were organized and executed. Pastor Shearin also reinstated our Youth Revival Service. Rev. Alvin Hill served as pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church from 2016 to 2018. Mt. Zion was without a pastor from 2018 to 2021.Mt. Zion was blessed to have the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, Deacon John M. Heaggans, Sr., to served as coordinator in making the necessary tasks of supply ministers to serve at Mt. Zion. In 2022 the Mt.Zion Church family joyfully installed The Rev. Dr. Timothy Tee. Boddie as the seventeenth pastor.