The History of Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church

Mount Zion is the oldest A.M.E. Church on the Main Line. In the year 1849 or 1850 a group of faithful workers saw the necessity of a church in and around Centreville. Beginning with cottage prayer meetings, the interest growing an organization developed in the home of Henry and Sarah Roach. Hammer Hollow Nelson Hughes who was a local preacher conducted the services. In later years they moved to the present location which is called Devon. The name of this organization the Centreville Circuit was comprised of Phoenixville, Centreville and Valley Hill.

This indenture made the thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty-six AD between Jonathan Lewis of Tredyffrin Township. Chester County and the State of Pennsylvania of the one part, and Henry Roach Moses Crooks and Lewis Draper. Trustees in trust for the use and purposes hereinafter mentioned all of the County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania aforesaid, of the other part. Purchased for the sum of $50.00.

Among the faithful founders were: Henry and Sarah Roach, Moses Crooks, Lewis Draper, Hector and Julia Mullen, Jane Crumbles, Nelson and Liza Hughes, Simon and Binie Tittle, Mary Ann McClane, James and Elizabeth Hitch, Eric Brown, Benjamin Ross, the Van Leers, Johnsons, Gloscoms, Dills, Boggs, Hipples, and Henry and Sarah Jacobs.

Church building began under the pastorate of Rev. Nelson Hughes and Rev. Charles Boardley. The work ceased due to the Civil War. After peace was declared, work began under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Davis, who completed the first church.

Pastors as follows: Reverends Bolton, Hill, Campbell, Temple, Tanner, Miller, Taylor, Lloyd, and I. H. West.

Rev. Elijah Byrd (two years) rebuilt the church, and changed the entrance to the present side. Also during his pastorate, the church was entered in the Philadelphia AME Conference, and on September 23, 1901, the church name was changed to Mt. Zion Devon.

Rev. Charles H. Fareira (second term two years) raised $500 for parsonage. Rev. J. L. H. Watkins (two years) purchased the parsonage. Rev. R. F. Wright (four years) built a garage; left $400 in bank. Rev. W. R. Gullins (one year) carpeted the church. Rev. W. H. Coffee (two years) installed new heater. Rev. J. A. Thomas (served two years) eight month remodeled parsonage. After his death, Rev. Charles Shepherd, a local deacon, supplied as pastor and reported the church to conference in full.

Rev. J. R. Johnson (seven years) renovated church, paid debts in full. Through his solicitations, families of the church presented new windows.

Serving one year each: Reverend W. L. Johnson, M. W. Frazier, J. R. Reed, H. L. Hughes.

Rev. J. R. Fortune (five years). During his stay, Rev. Fortune beautified the church and parsonage, bought five acres of ground for Camp Meetings, built the Bower, installed a new heater, recarpeted the church, had a new roof put on the church, paid off two mortgages and paid back taxes and all debts.

Rev. M. Hamlin remained for five years and had the church and parsonage painted. Rev. C. B. Crawford (one year), had a heater put in the parsonage and the parsonage was papered.

Rev. S. B. Randolph (six years). During this time, Rev. Randolph had water installed in the church and also the lavatories and started painting the parsonage. The Senior Choir installed a new organ and paid for it in less than a year with Mrs. Mary Anderson as their President. Rev. Randolph also instituted the "Altar Prayer".

Rev. Charles Carter (nine years). Rev. Carter was sent to Mt. Zion on May 23, 1954. In 1955 the Usher Board purchased a new carpet for the church. The Senior Choir donated a new Communion Table and Choir Chairs. New offering plates and pulpit lamp was presented by the Missionary Society. Stewardess Board No. 1 presented a new communion set.

During 1956 the church was painted outside, the basement renovated and oil heat, tile flooring, and public telephone were installed. A new Tithing box was installed and Hymnals presented to the Sunday School by Mrs. Rose E. Harmon who served as Secretary for many years.

During 1957, cabinets were put in the kitchen, all work being done by the men of the church. Mrs. Mary Anderson presented china, silver and glassware of all descriptions to the church. A men's club has also been organized.

Rev. Herman Satterfield came to Mt. Zion in May, 1962. His first text was as follows: "The sheep must be gathered".

A beautiful large Bible was given to the church in memory of Mrs. Ida Carroll, presented by her daughter and stepson-in-law. New lights were put in the church donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Jones; they also added new oil heating system in the parsonage.

Rev. Satterfield became ill and the members tried to carry the church with different ministers coming Sunday morning to serve. On March 25, 1963, Rev. Satterfield passed away, leaving the church in sadness. But with the help of God, we the members of Mt. Zion, knew that we had to carry on. At this time, our Presiding Elder, Dr. John A. Alexander assigned Rev. Jenkins of Philadelphia, as our pastor until conference.

Rev. Frank Emanuel came to Mt. Zion in May 1963. His first text was "A man in Christ is a new Creature"; the message stirred our hearts and gave us new hope, faith and inspiration, with a desire to try and do our best.

Work began on the church. The men painted the outside of the church; Mr. George Rogers who gave his service willingly, painted the basement. Iron rails for the front steps were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Johnson. The basement was cemented and tiled and new tables and chairs for the basement were donated by the Senior Usher Board with Mr. Maurice Rickards as their President. The interior of the church was painted and the full cost was donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Jones. Pulpit chair and kneeling pad were reupholstered by Mrs. Mary Childs and Mrs. Minnie King. Mrs. Childs also donated new choir drapes. A new hot water heater was donated by Mr. Edward Jemmott and Mr. Raymond Dark.

Rev. Emanuel organized a new Young Adult Choir with Miss Carolyn Baylis as their President. The Sunbeam Choir was organized with Miss Esther Long as Supervisor.

The following organizations were also established by Rev. Emanuel: Men's Chorus, Junior Usher Board, Pastors' Aides, Board of Christian Education with Mrs. V. Dessie Vause as director, and the Presidents Council.

November 1964 Rev. Emanuel let Mt. Zion.

Rev. George Reed came to Mt. Zion November 22, 1964 and only stayed for a half a year. The parsonage was renovated during this time.

Rev. Alexander Stephans came in May 1965 and left in October 1966.

Rev. Leon Burnham came November 1966 and left May 1972; during his stay, the Mr. Albert Weldon, treasurer of the building fund under supervision of the trustees, contacted and collected money for the purchase of pews and pulpit furniture, also a bulletin board. Pastor's office was built by Mr. Thomas Snowden, he was assisted by Mr. Norman Childs, Jr., Mr. John Vause and Mr. Fred Washington. New floors were put in the main auditorium by the trustees. Mr. John Vause was called to preach while Rev. Burnham was with us. In 1969 and 1970 the Sunday School was reorganized by Mrs. Mary Anderson.

Rev. Mason was with Mt. Zion a year, May 1972 to May 1973. The church was done over by the trustees.

New roof, painting inside, and new steeple was done by Roach Brothers. The basement was renovated by Mr. Fred D. Washington and the trustees.

Rev. Nathaniel L. Williams became the new shepherd of our church in May 1973. His appointment was a blessing. The gathering of his flock began immediately.

Rev. Williams reorganized the Young Adult Choir with Mr. Richard B. Williams, Jr. as their President. The Pastor's Aide was reorganized with Ms. Esther M. Long as President.

The following organizations were introduced by Rev. Williams: Concern Club, there President Mrs. Elizabeth Childs; Angelic Choir, Ms. Esther Long, Supervisor.

His flock began to grow. We have had six Baptisms, twelve new members and one marriage. In one year's time our congregation has tripled in attendance at Sunday morning services and other affairs. This is due to the rejuvenating spirit of this good Shepherd.

A new Pew Guard was donated by the Clifford E. DeBaptiste & Family. Ms. Paulette E. (Pierce) Ware donated a suggestion box.

With the help and grace of God, the love and prayers of our friends and congregation and the leadership of the Devoted Pastor, we know that Mt. Zion Devon will continue to grow in Grace and Love.

The church grew with the following organizations: Young Adult Ushers - Host and Hostess Club with Mrs. Gertrude Pierce as their supervisor, Junior Echoes, Male Chorus, Drama Club and Altar Boys with Gary Speller and Milton Vause.

A duplicating machine was purchased and operated by Mrs. Essie M. Brock.

In addition to a Central Air Conditioning System, renovations of the lower auditorium and kitchen added significantly to the comfort and convenience of the church.

Wayside Pulpit was repaired with cinder blocks and stucco donated in Memory of William Jones by Eddie Lee Jones.

In 1979, the kitchen was remolded by Mr. Fred D. Washington, Mr. Bill Butcher, and Mr. Norman L. Childs, Jr. Rev. Williams appointed Mrs. Gertrude Pierce as Head Usher. Seventy-five hymnals were donated by Mrs. Lenora Johnson.

In May 1982, Rev. John M. Dawkins, Jr. assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Pastor Dawkins immediately began to gather and know his flock. Mr. Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr., was appointed by Rev. Dawkins as Pastor Steward.

Rev. Dawkins reorganized the Sunday School with Mrs. Brenda Holland as Superintendent, Junior Ushers with Mrs. Gertrude Pierce as Supervisor and Mrs. Norma Ann Armour as Assistant Supervisor.

The following organizations were introduced by Rev. Dawkins: Finance Committee, Task Force, Central Budget, President Council with Mrs. Laraine Speller as President, Celestial Choir, Youth Choir, and Mister of Music, Mrs. Heather L. Vause.

Rev. Dawkins instituted a church office with Mrs. Gertrude Pierce as secretary.

In 1986 Rev. Charles Drummer assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. On July 8, 1989 Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church broke ground for the new building. The groundbreaking service was led by Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings, presiding prelate and Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Jr., Pastor. Other pastors who attended the groundbreaking Rev. Richard R. Stokes, Rev. Luther McNair, Rev. S. W. Daggett, Rev. M. D. Wayns, Jr., Rev. Carrie Nobles, Rev. W. H. Carr, Rev. Johnnie Vause, Rev. Dr. Theophilus E. Harper.

October 1989 Brother Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr. preached his trial sermon at Mt. Zion.

In 1990 Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church was rebuilt with Frank Curtis Cummings D.D., LL.D., Presiding Bishop, Theophilus E. Harper, D.D., Presiding Elder, and Charles E. Drummer, Jr., D.D. D.H., Pastor. The stewards were as follows: Joseph T. Bell, Margaret E. Bell, Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr., Mildred McKim, Gertrude Pierce, Laraine A. Speller, Floretta D. Washington, Monroe W. Weldon, M. Pandora Williams. The trustees were as follows: Norman L. Childs, Jr., Essie M. Brock, Estelle K. Burton, Pauline Dennis, Eddie L. Jones, David Mills, George A. Rogers, John T. Tunnell, S. Edythe Washington.

In 1992 Rev. Melvin D. Wayns, Jr. assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. During that time, the parsonage and lower level was completed. Rev. Wayns was instrumental in establishing Mt. Zion as the site for the Chester County Head Start centers. He was also instrumental in reducing our financial obligations by seventy-five percent.

In 1993 Rev. Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr. became a local deacon.

Rev. Jackmon started the Emily Ingram Scholarship Fund by donating his love offering. With that idea other parishioners and family of Emily Ingram worked on programs to build up the Scholarship Fund.

In May 1995 Rev. Calvin W. Jackson, Sr. assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. In December 1995 Rev. Jackson organized the CWJ Outreach Gospel Choir. Rev. Jackson organized a committee for Unity Day on April 28, 1996. Brother Harry Wright and Sister Patricia Gaines were the co-chairs. On Sunday, October 27, 1996 Mt. Zion celebrated their 147th Anniversary with Brother Edward Gowens and Sister Daisy Long as Co-Chairs.

November 8, 1996 Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church honored Sister Essie Brock with an Appreciation Banquet. The guest speaker was The Honorable Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.

January 1997 Sister Marilyn Tunnell preached her trial sermon at Mt. Zion.

April 1997 Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church became one of the sites for Kumon Learning Center.

May 1997 Marilyn Tunnell became a licensed Evangelist.

May 2, 1998 Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church honored Sister Margaret Bell, Sister Eddie Lee Jones (deceased prior to the banquet), Brother David Mills and Sister Floretta Washington.

May 9, 1998 by the Grace of God Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church relinquish our mortgage debt. Rev Calvin W. Jackson, Sr. - pastor, Rev. Dr. Richard F. Norris - worship leader, and Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Philip R. Cousin - sermon. Bishop Cousin's topic was Blind Faith. The Mortgage Burning Service was dedicated in memory of Brother Joseph Bell and Sister Bertha Jackmon.

On December 7, 1998 Rev. Gerald Hesson assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church.

Reverend Nathaniel L. Williams, has assumed the pastoral responsibilities of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church.

A New Sanctuary has been built.

On December 7, 1998, Bishop Philip R. Cousin appointed Rev. Gerald H. Hesson the Pastor of Mt. Zion.  Rev. Hesson has provided leadership in the areas of fiscal management, stewardship and spiritual growth.  As the result of his leadership and that of the Steward and Trustee Boards, an air conditioning system was installed for the church and parsonage, and a renovation of the parsonage was initiated.  The class leader system was revitalized.

During October 18 -22, 1999, Mt. Zion celebrated its 150^th Church anniversary.  Wendy Brown and John Tunnell were the co-chairpersons of this celebration which featured a Youth Service Worship, a historical program featuring the early days on Zion Hill, a Revival featuring Rev. Nathaniel Williams as the revivalist, and a banquet at the Westover Country Club.  Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. was the featured speaker at the 150^th Anniversary Banquet.  Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor, received special recognition during this Banquet.

Also, honored in recognition of dedicated service and stewardship to Mt. Zion were Nancy Jemmott, Essie Brock, Gertrude Pierce, Estelle Burton, Daisy Long, George Rodgers  and Andrew Long.  Other honored guests included Rev. Micharl Thomas, the Master of Ceremonies, Rev. George T. Sims, The Presiding Elder of the West District, Martha Pinckney and Rebecca Brown provided the music for the program.  Rev. Dr. Melvin D. Wayns, Jr., Rev. George Beachum and Robert Rickards were also participants.  Rev. Hesson offered the benediction to conclude the Banquet celebration

Reverend Nathaniel L. Williams assumed the pastoral responsibilities for a second time in May 2001.

Rev. Marilyn Tunnell became a Local Elder in May 2002 at the Philadelphia Annual Conference.

On March 29, 2003 Stacey Jones Anderson preached her trial sermon.

Rev. Nathaniel L. Williams retired from Mt. Zion AME Church and the Philadelphia Annual Conference on Sunday, May 23, 2004.

On June 4, 2004, Bishop Zedekiah Lazett Grady appointed Rev. Larry Thompson as Pastor of Mt. Zion.

On June 19, 2004 Mt. Zion gave Rev. Nathaniel Williams a Retirement Banquet.  Rev. Williams pastored Mt.Zion for a combined period of thirteen years.  Sis. Laraine Speller and the Stewards of Mt. Zion co-chaired the Banquet.  Rev. Thomas A. Jackmon was the worship leader.  The Rt. Reverend Bishop Richard Franklin Norris Presiding Prelate of the Fourteenth Episcopal District was the Speaker.  Other participants on the program were Sis. Martha Pickney, Sanctuary Choir of Mt. Zion A.M.E.Church, Rev. Gerald Hesson, Lic. Stacey Jones. Anderson, Rev. Larry Thompson, Rev. Ellis Washington, Rev. Marilyn Tunnell, Bro. Robert Rickards, Bro Dexter Johnson, Rev. Joseph D. Patterson, Sr., Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leath, Sis. Sheila Booker, Sis. Kelly Murray, and the Jackmon Singers.

A Special thank you to Sister Nancy Jemmott for her contribution and knowledge of the history of Mt. Zion AME Church.

 Poem of Mount Zion

The Pastor's Roll Call of Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church

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