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In nineteen fifty-two on the east side,
Prayer meetings were in homes with doors open wide.
Then a short time later people began to meet,
In a rented store building on Prospect street.
Called the General Baptist Mission, it grew in size.
It was then decided to organize,
In nineteen fifty-two, second Sunday in November,
A church was organized with eighteen charter members.
Four preachers took part, Brother Mallory came,
He said, "I'd like to give the church it's name".
So Mt. Zion was "born" on that special day.
It grew and prospered without delay.
Other preachers there were Brothers Davies and Eades,
These two have passed on after doing good deeds.
Brother Basil Johnson was the fourth man there,
Who, in the organization did his share.
The ones who joined at this eventful time,
Will try to name if I can make them rhyme.
H.C. Miller, James and Delia Mays,
Thomas Paterson, Ed and Ida Graves.
Four from the Coles', Ernie, Katherine, Mary, and Verlie.
Clarence and Leason Powell, the Epleys' Evelyn and Arlie.
Mrs. Vera Spencer, and also James Hess,
Mr. and Mrs. Claud Craig finishes the list.
In this store building we had limited space,
and knew we'd soon need a larger place.
A committee was appointed to see what they could do,
In nineteen fifty-six bought on Epler Avenue.
Good services were held and all felt free,
Soon the church was filled to capacity,
Extra chairs were put out to accommodate
Those who usually came late.
Souls were saved as time rolled on,
As in the years that were past and gone.
And as the congregation did expand,
On Sundays two services then began.
More room was needed once again,
In nineteen sixty bought some land,
And built a house of brick and wood,
Where no other church had stood.
On Keystone Avenue not far away,
Where Mt. Zion stands today.
People gather to hear the word,
Sing and pray and serve the Lord.
The Pastor now is number seven,
All preached on how to get to Heaven.
Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ,
For that's the only life will last.
And now this birthday is twenty-nine,
For this church that's names Mt. Zion,
Joys and sorrows have both been shared,
It's great to know that someone cared.
Now that another year is about to start,
We hope that all down in their heart,
Will know that when this race is run,
They'll hear those words, "Well done, my child, well done."
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