Founding (1898)
In 1898, a small group of worshippers joined together to praise God under a brush harbor. After much praying and believing that God would work things out, these believers approached Mr. Walker Jones and he gave them one acre of land to build a church (Upper Mount Zion Baptist Church). The first church was a wooden structure with two front doors leading into the sanctuary, three rows of pews, slat bottom seats, columns in the middle, a wood burning heater and on one side hanging kerosene lamps. This newly organized body chose Reverend Arthur Cornelius to be their leader.
Building and Property Developments
Between 1898 and 1938, this congregation called on many pastors whose exact dates are not know: Reverend Capers, Reverend Jackson, Reverend J. G. Thomas, Reverend John Flagg, Reverend R. H. Williams, Reverend A. W. Walker and Reverend Mack McKibbens. Our first known deacons were Deacons Fred Butler, Inos Stewart, Henry Rouse, Monroe Rouse, Joe Calhoun, William Harkless, Tim Stewart, Saul Phillips, and Mack Asbell.
In 1938, Reverend Patton W. Williams succeeded some of the early predecessors and served until June 17, 1956. He served as pastor for 18 years. The membership increased, the church was enlarged, electricity installed, and a choir was organized. Several deacons were ordained during this time: Deacons Ephraim Glover, John Cabiness, Williams Mango, Willie Walls, John Asbell, Albert Cornelius, Robert Stanley, Birdsong Stephens and James Cornelius. In September of 1956, Reverend J. W. Cummings of Macon, Georgia became pastor and served for 11 years. At this time, the wooden building began to decay, so in March 1962 the pastor and members met together and made plans to build a new church of brick structure.
In October 1965, additional land was purchased from Mr. Fitz Jones for the purpose of enlarging the cemetery. Under the pastorage of Reverend Cumming, the following deacons were ordained: Deacons Arthur Hill, James W. Wiley, Albert Mango, and Norman Wright, Sr. On June 14, 1968, Reverend George Brooks became pastor and served for seven years, and the following deacons were ordained: Deacons David Jackson, Sr., and Willie C. Walker. February 12, 1976, Reverend Kenneth Hollingshead became pastor and served for four years. Under his leadership two deacons were ordained: Deacon Edward James, Sr., and Deacon James Asbell, Sr. In 1977, rooms were added including the pastor’s study and the kitchen were started.
Ministries and Organizational Growth
August 24, 1984, Reverend Kenneth Hollingshed was recalled as pastor. One deacon was ordained: Deacon Virgin Stephens; a Trustee Board was established: Brother Darrell Cornelius, Brother Robert Hughes, Jr., Brother David Jackson, Jr., Brother James Wiley, Jr. and Brother Norman Wright, Jr. served as trustees. Reverend Hollingshed served another four years.
July 15, 1989, Reverend Harris Hardwick became pastor and served for six years; under his leadership there were one minister ordained: Reverend Norman Wright, Jr. Bible Study was organized, 1st and 5th Sunday morning services begin, Junior church was reorganized; cornerstone was laid, scholarship fund organized and completed renovation of main sanctuary/kitchen.
October 1996, Reverend David G. Flowers was asked to become our new leader. He accepted in December 1996 and installed as our pastor third Sunday in March 1997. Two deacons (Deacons Darrell Cornelius and Robert Hughes, Jr.) were ordained under Pastor Flowers’ leadership. Other accomplishments included new padded pews, installation of a new sound system, completed renovation of annex, a revived Bible Study, purchase of a van and new musical instruments, leading the Church family in Christian fellowship; reorganized the church ministries, and overseen church projects such as paving the parking lot and beautification projects around the church during his 14 years as a leader.
Recent Era and Renovation
November 2011, Upper Mount Zion Baptist Church Family began a new era of leadership. Minister Gazzara L. Mitchell, Sr. was called to lead the flock and installed as pastor on February 19, 2012. We have grown in our spiritual faith in Christ Jesus under his leadership through teaching and preaching during Sunday School, Bible Study and Worship Services. Pastor Mitchell also revised Sunday Worship Service to every Sunday, adding second and fourth service, an organized fellowship breakfast to every first and fifth morning service. In addition to increasing services, he oversees church projects, added a choir director, and 17 members have becoming a part of the church body.
With the guidance of Pastor Mitchell, the long-awaited Phase II renovation project began October 2014, we are looking forward to an outstanding completed addition to the church led by our own contractor Deacon Darrell Cornelius. This will allow us to come together as family in Christ in the fellowship hall. Five deacons have been ordained during Pastor Mitchell’s leadership: Deacon Ronald Bickley, Deacon Robert Chappell, Jr. in 2013 and Deacon Jack Chappell and Deacon Albert Young in February 2018; and one trustee was added Brother Kenneth Stanley. In 2019, an electronic church sign was installed, and Phase II Renovation continued. In 2020, the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic which shutdown the world including the church. During the shutdown, the Pastor adept to utilize ZOOM video conferencing technology to continue church service. The technology was such a success, Minister Gazzara L. Mitchell, Sr integrated into regular service and became the platform for bible study. After implementing safety protocols according to the CDC, the church open and the members were able to attend. Still during this time, Phase II renovation continued with completion of Pastor’s study, conference room and additional offices/rooms upstairs. Pastor Mitchell’s spiritual vision continues to inspire us, lead us and teach us to move to a higher spirituality.
Current Times
On September 29, 2024, Upper Mount Zion Baptist Church joyfully welcomed Reverend Eric M. Carswell as its pastor. With a heart devoted to serving God and a vision for spiritual growth, Pastor Carswell brought a renewed energy and focus to the ministry. Under his leadership, the church continues to thrive in its mission to glorify God, spread the Gospel, and nurture disciples of Christ. Guided by the church’s motto: “Resetting: Equipping disciples for the work of the ministry to better edify the body of
Christ,” Pastor Carswell has emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline, service, and unity within the congregation. His passion for teaching the Word and encouraging believers to walk in their God-given purpose has strengthened and inspired the Upper Mount Zion church family. Reverend Eric M. Carswell’s installation marked a new chapter in the rich history of Upper Mount Zion Baptist Church, as the congregation continues to build upon its legacy of faith, service, and commitment to the Lord.
Legacy
Upper Mount Zion’s history is marked by steady spiritual growth, repeated building and ministry improvements, and adaptive leadership that preserved fellowship and expanded outreach across more than a century.