Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church.  In the early nineteen hundred, God revealed to a few chosen and humble servants the need to establish a Primitive Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This revelation was to be a giant footprint in the sands of time, to be used as a stepping-stone by many Christians and unsaved sinners down through the years to come. The first recorded information dates back to 1917 through the Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Association’s minutes. Elder Lewis Daniels was the first pastor.

The church originated in a house on the west end of Montgomery. Then, Mt. Zion moved to its next location on Jeff Davis Avenue and later in a house on Carlisle Street. In 1933 under the leadership of Elder S. M. Gardner, Mt. Zion moved to its final move to the church’s present location at 1032 Stephens Street.

Former pastors of the Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church were Elder Lewis Daniels, Elder Wash Daniels, Elder Green Daniels, and Elder S. M. Gardner. Then, Mt. Zion elected Elder T. M. Gardner, Jr., as the next pastor in 1957. The membership originally consisted of 25 members but increased to 94 during this time.

Mt. Zion was blessed with the following deacons’ faithful services until their demises: Deacon A. G. McClendon, Deacon D. C. Taylor, Deacon C. C. Gardner, Deacon M. J. Gardner, Deacon Ben Davis, Deacon Nathaniel Potts, Deacon Ernest Knight, Deacon Shelby Sharpe, Deacon Mack Evans, Deacon Richard Williams, and Deacon Isaac Singleton. Deacon Harrison DeJournette is a former deacon but is no longer a member of Mt. Zion. (There are no records available where there is an omission of a name.) Former deacons who have been called into the ministry are Elder Nathaniel Braxton and Elder Alien Brown. Elder Willie Williams was also called into the ministry under Elder T. M. Gardner, Jr.

Under Elder T. M. Gardner, Jr’s leadership, the following deacons served:  Deacon David Oliver, Chairman of the Deacon Board (later called into the ministry); Deacon Frederick Johnson, Financial Secretary; Deacon Willie Brown, Deacon Edward Hutchinson and Deacon Philip Howard, Jr.

Sister Louise Gardner has been a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church for 50 years. Sister Gardner has served as president of the Women’s Congress and president emeritus of the Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Association Women’s Congress. Her affiliations has also carried her the position of president of the Women’s Congress, Tri-State Convention (Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee).

Many improvements have been made to our church home under the leadership of Elder T. M. Gardner, Jr., pastor emeritus. Some of the improvements are the addition of a fellowship hall, inside baptismal poo, central heat and air conditioning, new church pews and furniture, and the bricking of the church.

We are thankful for our past Christian leaders and pioneering soldiers, who have strived so hard to make it possible for us to enjoy a place of worship with a reasonable amount of comfort as we march forward on this Christian journey.

The following auxiliaries were organized under Elder T. M. Gardner, Jr.’s leadership:

• Ministers and Deacons’ Wives’ Circle (1977): Sister Bernice DeJournette served as the first president. Sister Susie Braxton and Sister Lucy B. Steele served as president and vice president, respectfully.
• Matrons’ Circle (1978): Sister Connie Peterson served as the first president. Sister Arnita Howard served as president, and Sister Lucille Johnson served as advisor.
• Ushers’ Board (1950): Deacon Harrison DeJournette served as the first president. Sister Arnita Howard and Sister Lucy B. Steele served as president and vice president, respectfully.
• Pastor’s Aide Club (1980): Deacon Mack Evans served as the first president. Brother Riley Peterson served as president also.
• Senior Choir (1950): Deacon Allen Brown served as the first president. Sister Delois Oliver and Sister Lucy B. Steele served as president and vice president, respectfully.
• Youth and Young Adult Department (1958): Sister Michelle Gardner served as the first president. Sister Arnita Howard served as president, and Sister Lucille Johnson served as advisor.
• Youth and Young Adult Choir (1972): Sister Arnita Howard served as the first president. Sister Cathy Simmons served as president, and Sister Lucille Johnson served as advisor.
• The T. M Gardner Courtesy Club (1990): Sister Mable Gardner served as coordinator.

Currently, Elder Thomas Stokes is the pastor.

Elder Thomas Stokes
Pastor of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church