Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church History
Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church began humbly in 1896 as a small Sunday School held in the home of Mrs. Vermie Smart, located at the corner of Clifton Avenue and Hook Road. Rev. Harding served as the first minister, and the name Mt. Zion was chosen by one of its members. From 1896 to 1910, the following men pastored the church: Rev. Bowman, Rev. Frazier, Rev. Thompson, Rev. Martin, Rev. Frederick, Rev. Whebe, Rev. John Coleman, Rev. Price, Rev. Scott, Rev. Womack, and Rev. James Bell.
In 1910, Rev. L.C. Coleman became pastor and served faithfully for 27 years, the longest ministerial tenure in the church’s history. He was succeeded by the following pastors: Revs. Therekeld, Wood, Brown, Hailey, Fuller, Pilgrim, O.W. Brown, Jaxon, J.A. Hayes, Sells, D.S. Jackson, Williams, Carter, Bennett, Champion, Jones, Hadley, Key, Purham, Stewart, Purham, Bonner, Hobbs (our first female pastor), and our current pastor, Rev. Alfred S. Parker, Jr., who was appointed in 2015.
The church joined the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in 1905. In 1954, the General Conference changed the name to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, opening membership to all regardless of race or color.
L.C. Colman, Pastor
On May 31, 1906, Mt. Zion purchased land from Mr. and Mrs. John and Helen Scott at the corner of Felton and Orange Avenues. Groundbreaking for the church basement began in 1920, and the entire building was completed on the second Sunday in February 1928. On that historic day, the congregation marched into the sanctuary accompanied by a grand $5,000 pipe organ, complete with a bell placed in the church’s tower. The sanctuary was beautifully adorned with stained-glass windows donated by boards, auxiliaries, and friends from the surrounding community.
Throughout the 1930s, Mt. Zion CME Church served as a pillar of the Darby Township community. It housed the local elementary school for grades one through three and hosted commencement celebrations for junior high graduates from 1934 to 1950. The church sponsored social programs, including providing clothing and shoes so students could meet graduation dress codes. Vacation Bible School was held for the entire community during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Later, the church purchased two lots at Felton and Orange Avenues to build a community center. Mt. Zion’s Sunday School Department became one of the largest in the Seventh Episcopal District. Annual Sunday School picnics, once held on the church lawn, grew to include trips to amusement parks, with free admission offered to students with excellent attendance.
Over the years, many improvements were made to the church. A new bulletin board was erected in 1970, and the parsonage was purchased at 1530 Forrester Avenue. In 1982, the congregation celebrated by burning the mortgage. A public address system, new boiler, central air conditioning, stair lift, light fixtures, pulpit furniture, and a parking lot were added. The Van Ministry, audio-visual ministry, and computerization were introduced. Renovations included new rooms, updated restrooms, steel doors, a prayer room, secured stained-glass windows, and the establishment of an active Food Ministry. Restoration projects continued with a tiled auditorium floor, a new roof, exterior capping, parsonage renovations, and another parking lot.
Numerous programs remain central to church life. Weekly Bible study fosters spiritual growth, Sunday Church School meets via Zoom, and new member classes have been introduced. An active prayer line serves Monday through Friday by conference call. The Lay Ministry sponsors the annual Thanksgiving dinner, church anniversary celebrations, and Thirsty for the Word Thursday worship. Outreach ministries include the Mighty Men of Valor Fellowship Choir, Ministry 2 Men of the CME Church, Angel Tree Ministry, and Seasoned Citizens. Worship services, prayer meetings, and Bible study are conducted through Zoom, conference calls, and Facebook to reach members near and far.
At the annual conference in August 2015, Rev. Alfred S. Parker, Jr. was assigned as pastor. Under his leadership, Mt. Zion has experienced remarkable spiritual and membership growth. He and First Lady Rudell “Terry” Parker have been invaluable assets to the church and community. Our worship experience has reached new heights, and our ministries continue to thrive in Christian service and discipleship. To God be the glory!
We are on the move for the Lord! We thank God for His favor over Mt. Zion—“the Rock”—and pray that we will continue to serve Him in all His glory.