Church History
Mid 1900's
Reverend James E. Green was elected pastor in 1914, after many years of service. He joined Mount Zion in 1903. He served as superintendent of the Sunday School for three years and on the Deacon Board for nine years. He was a dynamic leader of the church and community. Under Reverend Green's pastorate, a new church was erected in 1930 at the Arlington Ridge Road site at a cost of $26,000. In 1942, the federal government condemned the property to make way for a network of roads. The Odd Fellows Hall at Columbia Pike and South Ode Street was selected as a temporary place of worship. Later, property was purchased at 19th and Lowell Streets. Groundbreaking services were held on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944. The first services were held in the new building on the first Sunday in July 1945.
Late 1900's
Today
In March 1992, Dr. Leonard N. Smith was installed as the ninth senior minister. Under the leadership of Dr. Smith, the membership and stewardship has nearly doubled. More than 2,500 have united with Mount Zion and the Church budget has increased to over one million dollars. Mount Zion has purchased 22 acres of land in Woodbridge, VA in order to further their mission to go and make disciples of all nations as we're commanded. While working to gether to realize the vision, Mount Zion continues to expand its outreach with food assistance, tutorial and financial support to community service agencies. The radio outreach began in 1999. You can hear Dr. Smith every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Monday at 6:00 p.m. on MZBC Radio Outreach Ministry on WYCB 1340 AM and on Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on New Inspirational Praise 104.1 FM in the Washington, DC area.
