History Of GMZ
According to local historical data, Second Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1912 in the Lincoln Street home of Reverend and Mrs. Willie Sutton. The church was started by several members who left the First Baptist Church on South East Street. Reverend Willie Sutton was elected the first Pastor.
Some of the founders included the following: the late Reverend Willie Sutton, Mrs. Laura Sutton, Brother Henry Sutton, Brother Joe Dawson, Sister Roxie Dawson, Brother E K. Patterson, Sister Alvania Patterson, Brother Jimmie Dove, Brother John Dawson and Sister Sarah Dawson.
Services were held for five years in the old Christian church on the corner of Reed and Adkin Streets. Changing needs of a growing congregation in 1917 caused the members to buy the wooden church at 418 East North Street. Services were held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays; and Sunday school classes were added.
The parade of pastors included: the late Reverend Willie Sutton, Reverend C. C. Crawford, Reverend Nimo, Reverend B. F. Johnson and Reverend Nicholson. In 1941 Reverend McKinley Hawkins was elected as the Pastor. Reverend Hawkins was well informed about the operations of the General Baptist State Convention and the Lott Carey Convention. He felt the need to improve the wood church building by making the exterior brick, adding new windows, installing pews and renovating the bathrooms. The church's name was changed to Mount Zion Baptist Church. Reverend Ronald Coley was elected as the next Pastor. Under his leadership, the Pastor's Study was renovated, new doors and a new heating system were installed. In 1958 Reverend Coley took a leave of absence and recommended Reverend R. B. Sykes to serve as Pastor. Reverend Coley was to be away for two years, but he would not return to pastor Mount Zion.
Reverend Sykes was elected as Pastor in 1961. Reverend Sykes strived very hard to promote peace, harmony and love for all people, regardless of race. He was a member of the Baptist State Convention, a business leader, and the Financial Secretary of Bear Creek Association. Under Reverend Sykes leadership the church completed the interior renovation projects and added stucco to the church's exterior. A new pulpit was installed, pews were cushioned, floors were carpeted, an air conditioning system was installed, and a new organ and piano were purchased. A new fellowship hall was erected and dedicated in 1973. The church's name was changed to Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Reverend Sykes became ill in 1981 and recommended Reverend J. F. Hobbs to serve as Pastor in his absence. When Reverend Sykes returned Reverend Hobbs was appointed Associate Pastor and served on the 1st Sunday for Junior Church. Great things continued to happen under the leadership of Reverend Sykes. In September 1986, the adjoining 32,088 square feet of land was purchased for the purpose of a parking lot. The members later decided to use the land for a new church. After 27 years of service to Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Sykes resigned on December 27, 1986.
On January 11, 1987, Pastor Willie J. Cox came to Greater Mount Zion to serve and on March 8, 1987, he was installed as Pastor. Several new organizations and auxiliaries began under the leadership of Pastor Cox: Ladies League, Hospitality Committee and the Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.). Membership increased and the principle of tithing was taught by Pastor Cox. Also, Pastor Cox recommended Minister Harold Warren to serve as a Minister for the 1st Sunday Junior church services starting February 1, 1987.
On October 23, 1988, Pastor Cox and Officers of the Building Committee conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for our new sanctuary valued at $500,000.00. Officers of the Building Committee appointed Pastor Cox to implement and act as overseer of the construction of the new sanctuary. The foundation was poured on February 7, 1989. On June 10, 1990, Pastor Cox appointed one Deacon, eight Deaconess, and two female trustees to serve in the church. One additional female trustee was appointed to serve on September 14, 1990. Upon completion of the new church, Pastor Cox and church Officers invited guests, members and friends to march from the old church into the new sanctuary for the first 11:00 am worship service on February 10, 1991. Church services were held 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays.
Greater Mount Zion had a membership of 138 members, one Pastor, Junior Minister, Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Mother Board, Deaconesses, Sunday School Superintendent, Senior and Junior Usher Boards, choirs #1 and #2, Junior and Mass Choirs, Church Clerk, Financial and Assistant Financial Secretaries, Treasurer, Finance Committee, Sunday School, Pastor's Aid, Youth Advisors, Ladies League, Hospitality Committee, Willing Workers, Christian Education and a Custodian. Pastor Cox served for 18 years before he became ill and could no longer serve. During this time several ministers preached the Word to the Greater Mount Zion congregation. Those ministers included Reverend Charles Franklin, Reverend Charles Howard, Reverend John Flowers, Jr.
On November 5, 2004, John Flowers Jr, was installed as Greater Mount Zion's next Pastor. Pastor Flowers came in with a ministry of hope, restoration and healing. Through his faith and belief in God adding to the church, he saw the membership numbers rise from approximately 65 members to over 500 members. A Young Adult Choir brought their joy of song on the fourth Sunday. Church services were extended to all Sundays. The added noon day Thursday service was a great service for those who wanted just a little more Word. Because of the huge attendance on Sunday, an eight o'clock service was instituted to accommodate visitors and members. He started a Women’s and Men's Fellowship (which brought many men into the church), a Nursing Home Ministry and a Male Chorus. The Youth service changed to the third Sunday and more children served as ushers and choir members. He oversaw many projects: expanded parking areas, new roof, video system installed, purchased properties around the church, started a bus ministry and purchased a bus to pick up those who wanted to attend service. His tenure ended January 31, 2013.
Pastor David E. Howell was installed as Pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in October 2013. During his tenure the organizational structure was restored after the previous pastor and some of the membership separated to start a new church. The church by-laws were updated and installed as the church’s legal binding laws. The monitors were placed in the sanctuary to increase worship participation. The church established an annual community day and later combined with St. John Free Will Baptist Church and it became Happy and Healthy Community Day for the city of Kinston. His tenure ended July 2019.
Reverend Charles Franklin served as Interim Pastor from August 2019 until July 2021.
Pastor Marques E. Lewis started on August 29, 2021 and was installed as Pastor on October 3, 2021. Pastor Lewis is a firm believer in servant leadership and teaches us that there is No task too small for all of us to do. He and Lady Dominique have shown they are not here to JUST lead, but to SERVE! Under Pastor Lewis’ servant-leadership, we’ve accomplished the following: the church’s website www.GMZKinston.com. The church mobile app The Church, YouTube page: GMZTV-Kinston; live streaming ALL services; revamped the GMZ Facebook Page: GMZMBZKinstonNC; new keyboard donation; drum set updating; All within the first year of his-leadership. His motto from his first day was “Full Speed Ahead” and we have done just that! Pastor Lewis reminds us every chance he gets, that we are all one body striving to advance God’s Kingdom TOGETHER! GMZ is still standing and by the GRACE of GOD!!
We've come this far by Faith!!
