Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 137th Anniversary
Devotees of Christ from all corners of Bakersfield came together in fellowship to celebrate the 137th anniversary of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This joyous occasion brought together a diverse congregation, including city officials and members of various church communities, all eager to reflect on the blessings and legacy of Mt. Zion.On the evening of October 15, 2023, a sense of anticipation filled the air as people gathered at the historic Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 825 California Ave.
By Jason Land Jr. | Contributing Writer
“Cherishing the Past and Looking to the Future. The Way We Were.”
Devotees of Christ from all corners of Bakersfield came together in fellowship to celebrate the 137th anniversary of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This joyous occasion brought together a diverse congregation, including city officials and members of various church communities, all eager to reflect on the blessings and legacy of Mt. Zion.On the evening of October 15, 2023, a sense of anticipation filled the air as people gathered at the historic Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 825 California Ave.
(PhotoCredit: Jason Land Jr.)
The afternoon ignited with fervent passion as Sisters Cloete Daniels and Brittany S. Johnson from Mt. Zion set the stage for what would become a transformative evening. From the awe-inspiring musical performances to the deeply moving devotionals, Mt. Zion radiated with jubilant energy, a testament to its enduring legacy and unwavering sense of community.
Sister Pamela Smith took the podium to narrate the sprawling history of Mt. Zion, highlighting the church’s humble origins, which commenced with a mere 13 devoted members. She spoke of the church’s unwavering resilience in the face of adversity, enduring both fire and condemnation due to structural issues. Sister Pamela paid tribute to the countless men and women who, through their unwavering trust in God, played pivotal roles in preserving the enduring strength and fortitude of Mt. Zion.
“The first church service took place in a location close to California and M street. As the congregation grew, they moved to the second location near 13th and P St. where the [McMurtrey] Aquatic Center is located. In 1893, Miss Fanny Reese, one of the Charter Members, loaned the church money to purchase the property. This was a rented structure, with wooden blocks for the foundation. In 1912, the 13th St. location was sold, and the third location— which is currently located here on the corner of California and P St. was attained.” — Sister Pamela Smith, Chairperson of 137th Church Anniversary Program Committee
Mt. Zion’s anniversary celebration was not just a reflection of its rich history but also a tribute to the profound impact it has made on the community through various outreach initiatives. Among these remarkable programs are the WeCare Ministry, ROC (Reaching our Community with Love), the Angel-Tree Project, The Butterfly Project, Agape International Ministry, Faith In Action, Feed The Homeless, and numerous others!
If the great history of Mt. Zion wasn’t sufficient to captivate even the most disinterested, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the heartfelt tribute to revered honorees. The ‘seasoned’ members of Mt. Zion were celebrated for their unwavering devotion to their spiritual journey with God. One of the honorees was the current and longest pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Hiawatha T. Calhoun.
Guest preacher, Reverend Timothy Grays Sr., of New Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church delivered a message worthy of the monumental 137th Anniversary of Mt. Zion. “Look where God has brought us from,” he proclaimed in reference to the trials and tribulations the church community has withstood.
“We all have sinned, but we are saved by grace… If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Reverend Timothy Grays, Sr.
For many in the community, church is a spiritual hospital, and on October 15th, Mt. Zion was celebrated for being the place where any man is welcome in the eyes of God.
