The New Mt. Zion History

Sisters Delores Wheeler & Barbara F. Wright
The New Mount Zion Historical Committee

Beginnings

What we do now is rooted in our history. So too, is the case of our Church. The Negro Church is indelibly impressed in the minds of most Black Americans. It has had to serve many purposes throughout our history in this country. These purposes have gone beyond our religious education and spiritual development to such crucial matters as the education of Black children and the political participation and influence of Black people as a race.

So as we celebrate the 101st Anniversary of our Church, we do so with a glorious sense of pride and praise for the great tradition of the Black Church in the Black Community; remembering the early saints whose prayers, visions, and perseverance has made this day possible.

The Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized on the Second Sunday in October 1902 under the leadership of the Reverend A. F. Williams (Parson). The original Church building was located in an area of Tampa known as "The Bottom" on the corner of 26th Street and 14th Avenue.

During the next many years, several Pastors would serve: Reverends C. W. McIntosh, Jenkins, H. Wright, J. A. George, Petty and W. M. Smith. Reverends C. R. Townsend of Palatka, Florida, succeeded Reverend W. M. Smith and served until 1929.

Under the leadership of Reverend W. M. Smith, the congregation relocated to our present location on the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue (which is now Columbus Drive) & 26th Street.

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Remarkably, between the years of 1929 and 1939, as the nation struggled to survive the "Great Depression," this small Black Church thrived. Of the four ministers who served during this period, it was during the leadership of the Reverend I. W. Washington that the Church was remodeled and its mortgage completely paid. Also noteworthy is the contribution of Reverend S. Siplin, Jr. Under his leadership, a parsonage was acquired and pews were purchased. He would served form 1935 to September 1939. The other two ministers serving during this period were Reverends W. R. Monroe & D. M. Brooks.

The 40s

The Church appears to have remained stable throughout the forties and early fifties, principally under the leadership of Reverend J. A. Smart. During Reverend Smart's tenure, Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church hosted the 57th Annual Session of the South Florida Baptist Association on November 13-17,1945. Between 1940 and 1946, the membership increased and a stone annex was built. It is said that in 1946 Reverend J. A. Smart left the Church in friendship with all debts paid. It should also be noted that Reverend Smart served as secretary of the Progressive Baptist State Convention and his wife gave leadership to the State Ministers and Deacons Wives Auxiliary.

Reverend R. H. Whittaker and Reverend George Raymond Griffin continued the work of Reverend Smart towards the building of a new Church. They increased the Church Building Fund and its membership. However, following the departure of Reverend Griffin, the Church would be without a leader for a time.

The 50s 

From all accounts, the years between 1957 and 1968 were the Church's glory years. Reverend William Henry Calhoun, accepted the "call" in 1957, moved to unite a fragmented congregation and rebuild a deteriorating church. During his tenure the present edifice was erected, and central air-conditioning installed. On the West side of the Church, a new parsonage situated and furnished, the pews replaced and an organ purchased.