History continued

1960 to 1980s

In 1962, New Mount Zion hosted First South Florida Association and in March of 1965 hosted the Progressive Baptist State Convention. It was during Reverend Calhoun's tenure that the Church was renamed "The NewMount Zion Missionary Baptist Church." A Federal Credit Union was instituted and maintained for more than two years, later resolving and repaying its members with interest. Also, the mortgage was burned before Reverend Calhoun's departure on March 17, 1968. His tenure was the longest of any Pastor's in the Church history. He is credited for developing and maintaining harmony during this time. For the next eighteen months the Deacons supplied the Pulpit.

Reverend Bobby Jones accepted the "call" on July 28, 1968 and served until the mid-seventies. Again, membership was greatly increased, many improvements made and the property at the corner of 25th Street and Columbus Drive was purchased. The Church's first mini-bus was purchased under Reverend Jones' pastorate as was the present Parsonage located at Orangewood Terrace. Following the Reverend Jones departure, the Reverend Howard Minis would served as the Interim Pastor.

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The Reverends F. Goynes and Lester Carter would each serve until 1988. Under Reverend Goynes the property at 25th Street and Columbus Drive was paid in full and a campaign to renovate the Church was launched. Under Reverend Carter the membership experienced continued to grow and a mini-bus purchased.

In March of 1988, Reverend Zachery Hudson accepted the "call." Reverend Hudson focused on "preaching," Christian Education, leadership, youth nurturing and targeted male participation and leadership. Under his leadership the following ministries were organized: the All-Male Usher Board, the Male Chorus; the revamping of the New Members Orientation Committee; the 50+ Bible Study Group and Tracking Ministry. He would define the Church's role of Worship (praise), Work (mission), and Word (Christian Education), thereby melding these three words together to create a stronger Church.

Under Reverend Hudson's leadership, between the years 1989 and 1992, Phases I and II of the interior renovations were completed, the Ethnic Mural unveiled, five parcels of land purchased for future expansion; a Studio Grand Piano purchased and four additional staff members hired. Also, the Church had an extended support program that included civic, educational, missionary, and financial participation. Upon Reverend Hudson's departure, Reverend Foster Garvin, Sr. served as a capable and caring the Interim Pastor.