Our Church History

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In the spring of 1923, fifteen Christian men and women banded together in Christian love and organized the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John Cox. Services were held in the dining room, at the home of a woman by the name of Mrs. Frankeleana at First and Adams Street.

Rev. William Grimes succeeded Rev. John Cox as Pastor and a building was purchased at 214 S. E. Madison Street.

Following Rev. Grimes' pastorate, Rev J.R. Robinson was called. Under Rev. Robinson's leadership, the church mortgage was burned, six Sunday School rooms were added, six lots north of the church were purchased, six men were called to the ministry and six deacons were ordained. Rev. Robinson served for over 35 years until his death on October 26,1961.

In September of 1962, Rev. L.E.A. Jones became New Mount Zion's pastor. Under Rev. Jones' leadership, the church moved from 214 Madison to 214 East 14^th where over 150 members were added, one minister was licensed, three deacons were ordained, and several new auxiliaries were organized. During this period, New Mount Zion purchased our present building and took possession on October 4, 1981. Rev. L.E.A. Jones answered the Lord's call to come home on July 13, 1983.

Without a Pastor, the membership continued to grow, and the mortgage on this building was burned before God led us to call Rev. Cecil T. Washington Jr. on January 19, 1985. Under Rev. Washington, Jr. leadership many men were called to the ministry; many ministries were organized; many physical improvements were made; property south of our parking lot was purchased; a house at 2819 SE Indiana Street was purchased; and the membership grew to 544. On October 11, 1997, Rev. Cecil T. Washington, Jr. pastorate ended.

In November of 1999, Pastor Billy E. Blackmon became the Pastor of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership three Deacons were ordained. He was a big influence on getting Topeka Public High Schools graduation ceremonies changed from Sundays to Saturdays. Pastor Blackmon resigned as New Mount Zion's' Pastor, November 7, 2004.

As we look back over the past 83 years, we praise and thank God for all His blessings. As we look forward to the future, our challenge is to continue to serve Him, to win the lost and to build the saved, as we strive to be the church that God wants us to be. We ask God's continued blessings upon the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church family.

On April 30, 2006, Reverend Sandy Ray Fields, Sr. was extended the invitation to become the next pastor of the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of which he accepted and looks to growing, sharing and fellowshipping with the people of God as they stand together on the shoulders of those who have come before, looking ahead to a brighter future together in Kingdom building.

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