Our Story
Mount Zion Baptist Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the year of 1895 in the home of Brother Ed Cathey. It was formed to give the people on the east side of the Catawba River a place to worship. It was conceived from the congregation of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Bro. Cathey donated the land; and along with him, the founding fathers, Bro. Adam Reese, Bro. Joe Davis, and Bro. Underwood Tate. They cut the lumber and built the first of what is now known to us as Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which was known as the Dixie River Community.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. T.W. Barnswell; followed by Rev. T.W. Williams, Rev. Wortz, Rev. J.T. Pearl, Rev. Douglas, Rev. J. Woodard, and Rev. Gills of Rock Hill, SC. In addition, the Rev. W.M. Neely of Gastonia and Rev. J.D. McCullough of Charlotte, NC. These pioneer ministers, along with their congregation, helped instill the pride, glory, and rich heritage we share today at Mount Zion.
In 1938, the church moved its locaiton to Route 5, Performance Road, and was pastored by Rev. E.A. Stewart and Rev. Evans. In 1946, the church was rebuilt on its same site and was ministered to by the Rev. R.E. Lindsay who was succeeded by Rev. J.A. McDaniel of Rock Hill, SC. The church continued to flourish and move on under the leadership of such pastors as Rev. W.H. Diggs, Rev. R.M. Young, Rev. W.M. Alexander, and Rev. J.E. Barnette, and Rev. Ulysses Elder.
After Rev. Ulysses Elder's departure, Mount Zion was blessed with the Rev. Daniel Edward Joseph who is still striving to uphold the rich tradition and heritage that we have come to be known by and take pride in.
In the year 1990 the church was blessed with a new home at 821 Hawley St; a modern facility that would make our fore fathers and ancestors proud that the concept conceived in brother Cathey's home in 1895 is still alive and prospering in the purpose it was originated for, "The Glory of God!"
As our church has grown, so has our love for God and the people of Mount Zion. Our ministries include discipleship groups, including Adopt a Senior Ministry. We also encourage our members to be the hands and feet of Jesus at work, in their neighborhoods, as a part of other Mount Zion community organizations and through partnerships with missions organizations around the world.
Our Staff



