A legacy of Faith

Welcome to the rich and inspiring history of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, a cornerstone of faith, fellowship, and community service since 1880. Over the decades, our church has been a vital institution within the Black community, providing spiritual nourishment and a gathering place for worship, support, and leadership.

Founding of Mount Zion United Methodist Church

In October 1880, under the leadership of Elder Edward S. Peck, a small group formed Mount Zion United Episcopal Church. They initially met at St. Paul Methodist Church, also known as the Saratoga Street Mission. Reverend G. W. Price was appointed as the first pastor, leading a congregation of 17 members, 3 trustees, 3 stewards, and a spirited singing and prayer band. The group soon outgrew their one-room rented building on Saratoga Street and moved to various locations, including a spot over a blacksmith’s shop on Winchester Street.

Joining the Washington Conference

In 1884, Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church officially joined the Washington Annual Conference. The church membership continued to expand, and by 1890, they purchased their first permanent home on Vincent Street, transforming two houses into a larger worship space.

A New Era on Stricker Street

By 1911, under the leadership of Reverend Mathias Williams, Mount Zion relocated to the 1300 block of Stricker Street. During this time, the church made significant strides, including purchasing its first piano and acquiring Jubilee Song Books for the congregation. In 1918, District Superintendent Reverend E. S. Williams led the congregation in purchasing Holy Trinity Church on Riggs Avenue, and in 1919, Mount Zion celebrated the laying of its cornerstone.

Moving to Liberty Heights and Wabash Avenues

In June 1963, the church moved to its current home at the corner of Liberty Heights and Wabash Avenues. This new location allowed for the establishment of the Ashburton Day Nursery, a recreation center, and even a bowling alley, expanding Mount Zion's service to the community.

The Formation of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and United Methodist Church

Two significant events in the 1960s shaped the course of Methodism. In 1966, the Washington Conference merged with the Baltimore Conference to form the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Two years later, in 1968, the Methodist Church united with the United Brethren Church, becoming the United Methodist Church. Since then, we have been proudly known as Mount Zion United Methodist Church.

Honoring Our Pastors

Throughout the years, Mount Zion has been blessed with many dedicated pastors, each leaving a lasting legacy. Here we honor their service:

• Elder Edward S. Peck (Founder)
• Reverend G. W. Price
• Reverend Philmore Diggs
• Reverend T. H. Cooper
• Reverend A.F. Bell
• Reverend W. C. Thompson
• Reverend Joshua Barnes
• Reverend Julius Love
• Reverend Mathias Williams
• Reverend S. A. Virgil
• Reverend Vincent E. Johnson
• Reverend J. H. Peters
• Reverend D. M. Pleasant
• Reverend M. M. Jefferson, Sr.
• Reverend Kelly L. Jackson
• Reverend Basha Jordan
• Reverend A. H. Hammond
• Reverend Joseph W. Carroll
• Reverend John J. Barnes
• Lay Leader Charles N. Wells
• Reverend Oliver St. Claire Franklin
• Reverend Hal T. Henderson
• Reverend Donald Frank
• Reverend Kelly L. Jackson
• Reverend Zacarias Cardosa
• Reverend John Warren
• Reverend John Brown
• Reverend George DeFord
• Reverend Robert Byrd (Assistant Pastor)
• Reverend Steven Tillett, I
• Reverend Audrey Warton (Local Assistant Pastor)
• Reverend Sandra Marie Green Roberson
• Reverend Gregory Lind Taylor
• Reverend Wanda Bynum Duckett
• Reverend Kelly L. Grimes
• Reverend Isaiah Redd, Sr.
• Reverend Martin D. Odom (Present Pastor)

Looking Ahead

As we look back on 144 years of ministry, we continue to be thankful for God’s guidance and blessings. Under the current leadership of Reverend Martin D. Odom, Mount Zion remains committed to serving our community and growing in faith, as we look forward to many more years of worship and service.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.”
— Mark 10:45