Mt. Zion O.F.W.B Church History
1st Corinthians 3:6-9, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. Now he that planted and he that watered are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his labor, For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building”.
In 1904 Rev. Lofton, living in Jonesboro and Brother Baxter Rollins, a local preacher, seemed to have had this scripture in their minds and hearts as they began in a very humble way our present church. They planted a seed, a brush arbor church near the present Salem Church and near Dr. Shepard’s residence. These two faithful servants conducted services in this crude shelter for two years. God proved his words that he will provide for our needs when in 1906 he opened the heart of Mr. Henry Thomas who gave the plot of one acre of land where our present church is located.
On this plot, Rev. Lofton and Rev. Rollins built a small one-room plank building. Mr. William McLeod and Mr. Jim Quick made crude benches for this structure and these were used for many years until other benches were purchased from another church. Rev. Lofton served as minister in this structure for two years.
Rev. Caldwell who succeeded Rev. Lofton ministered for two years. Rev. Tucker served for two years. Rev. G. “Mac” Bailey from Dunn, North Carolina succeeded Rev. Tucker and served for eight years. During those 16 years, it was felt that the labor was not in vain. As one planted, another, watered, and God gave the increase.
Around 1918, or 1919, Rev A. B. Massey from Dunn, North Carolina became Pastor. During his Pastorate, the one-room structure was remodeled and the church grew both physically and spirituality. He labored with his congregation until 1960. In 1961, Rev. O’Neal became the Pastor and served for one year. He was called home to eternal rest.
Rev. U.S. Wade became the pastor in 1962, and as the ministers before him, he too continued toward the improvements of God’s holy temple. Under his leadership, two Sunday school rooms were added and the interior was remodeled. Restrooms were also installed.
Bishop Henry McLean was our pastor for 11 years. Under his leadership, we purchased modern pews and carpeting and added a fellowship half. We also gained central heating and air conditioning.
Under the leadership of Elder Elijah Newkirk, who joined us in November of 1986, we completed the fellowship hall with water and sewage intact.
In 1989, Elder Jerry Murray became our pastor and served for four years. He reorganized the Junior Choir and the Church roof was renovated. Elder William Frederick served for only one year due to his health and was unable to continue to serve. Elder Murray was voted in and pastored for seventeen years. In May 2003, due to fire damage the church was painted, new stain windows and carpet were installed, new choir seats were purchased, the ceiling was lowered and the walls insulated. A gas heater was installed, sseating was upholstered and in the pastor’s study the floor covering was done in tile.
Pastor Calvin Johnson became our Pastor in 2002 and served for five years. Pastor George McIver came afterwards and pastored for 6 months. He was voted in as the pastor for one year. Pastor Ernest Dunn became our Pastor in 2010. The entire fellowship hall was remodeled, the pastor’s study and the Sanctuary was repainted.
In November, 2011 Elder Thomas Clayton McGilveary served as interim pastor at Mt. Zion for three months. In February, 2012 Elder Thomas Clayton McGilveary was voted in as our pastor. Under Elder McGilveary’s pastoral tenure, our church has grown physically and spiritually. The front of the church has been painted. The steeple was replaced due to inclement weather. A choir has been formed. Our first community day was also held in March, 2013 We’re excited about how God is continually blessing Mt. Zion and we know the best is yet to come while under the leadership of Pastor McGilveary.