A Legacy of Faith in Valdese

Mt. Zion Baptist Church was organized in 1914 by Rev. Clarence Bethey, Pastor of Lovelady Baptist Church. By 1921 the membership had increased and a group of members and friends decided to build the first church and named it Mt. Zion Baptist Church. There were five Pastors from 1921 to 1940. From 1940 to 1946 there were two pastors and the membership had grown enough that a new church was built in 1948. Rev. M. C. Roseboro served the church for twenty-three years. The church had developed structure over the years such as the organization of the Deacon Board, Sunday School, Trustee Board, Baptist Youth Training Union, and a Building fund was started for the construction of a new sanctuary. 

In 1975 Rev. E. Ervin Millsap was elected pastor and under his leadership ground breaking ceremonies were held in May 1977. In June 1978, the congregation entered into the new sanctuary. During his pastorate more deacons, trustees, Superintendents, and Sunday school teachers were elected by the church body. The membership continued to grow and Rev. Millsap licensed Sis. Frances Berry Tate, Sis. Myrtle Hawkins, and Bro. Charles Parks to preach the Gospel. The vision, gospel preaching, and the teaching of God’s word by Rev. Millshap served the congregation for fourteen years.

After sixteen months without a Pastor, in April 1992, Rev. Kenneth B. Falls was elected as Pastor to serve the congregation and is currently serving in the twenty-second year of his pastorate. One year after his Installation, he ordained Rev. Frances B. Tate. As the membership increased, four additional Deacons were ordained; Bruce Hawkins, Earl Stanley Berry, Raymond Harbison, and Michael Perkins. Under his leadership four Ministers have been licensed to preach the Gospel; Andrew Chambers, Patricia Chambers, Tyrant Michaux, and Alicia Connelly. Over the years many souls have been saved, regenerated, and restored as well as ministries to meet the needs of a diverse congregation have been established. Our ministries continue to grow and are reaching the needs of our congregation as they spread God’s word throughout various communities. Most of the goals but not all that were set forth by Pastor Falls have been accomplished and help realize the long-term goal of building a facility that will provide daycare, eldercare, vocational training, 21st century technology classes, recreation for youth and families, classrooms, employment, and host special events. 

The church was without a Senior Pastor until March 9, 2022 when Rev. Wesley Ervin Hendrix was elected as the Senior Pastor. His first sermon as Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist church was preached on Sunday, March 20, 2022. 

Under the leadership of Rev. Hendrix, the membership of Mt. Zion has increased. Under his leadership the first 2 Women Deacons and the first 2 Women Ministers were ordained. Several new ministries have been established. Mt. Zion reached a major milestone under the leadership of Pastor Hendrix by paying off the church mortgage. Pastor Hendrix credits all accomplishments made at Mt. Zion to the Lord. His favorite Bible quote is from 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

As we move forward, following Pastor Hendrix, as he follows God, we pray strength and growth for the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.