The vision of Mt. Zion Baptist Church was given to Bro. Charles Simple, who felt that a Baptist Church was needed in the area. As a result, the church was organized by Rev. T. M. Hall on February 19, 1928. Five people met at the Lynch School building to facilitate the organization of the Church. Those individuals were Charles Simple, Henry Simple, Carrie Simple, Rev. J. C. Mack, Sr., and Rev. John Owens. Rev. J. C. Mack, Sr. was called as Pastor. Charles Simple served as a deacon, Carrie L. Simple assumed the position of secretary and Henry Simple served as the treasurer. Rev. J. C. Mack, Sr. served as Pastor from 1928-1932. The church began to experience growth in 1929 when a revival was held and the church was blessed with more members.

 

The Lynch School building, where church services were held, was destroyed by a storm in 1932. By the help of the Lord, a church was built in 1933. During this time the church was without a Pastor; however, in the same year members were added to the church and Rev. S. L. Farris was asked to baptize them. During a Southern District Association Board meeting, Rev. S. L. Farris was asked to preach at Mt. Zion. Later he was called to pastor the church. The name “Mt. Zion Baptist Church” was changed to “Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church” because of the great work that was accomplished and because Pastor Farris pastored another church named Mt. Zion Baptist Church in East Columbia, Texas. Rev. Farris served as pastor for 17 years. The Mt. Zion Baptist Church became a member of the Southern District Association and the American Baptist State Convention of Texas.

 

In April 1951, Rev. C. E. Williams, associate minister, was called to pastor the church. The church grew in number and other auxiliaries were organized. Although Pastor Williams was a quiet man, he was serious about the work of the Lord. He served for nine years. On July 24, 1960 during the Women's Hour of the Southern District Association at the St. Emmanuel Baptist Church, Freeport, TX, the Lord called Pastor Williams - while he was preaching - from labor to reward.

 

Rev. A. L. McBeth, a dedicated servant, who was short in statue, but tall in leadership and in the Word of God, was called to pastor in November 1960 and accepted the calling on December 4, 1960. New and reorganized auxiliaries were made under his leadership. But, more important than anything, many souls were added to the church. Pastor McBeth had a vision for a greater Greater Mt. Zion. In 1963, a new edifice was built. In September 1964, the Lord called Rev. McBeth home to be with Him.

 

In 1965, Rev. H. L. Mackey was called to pastor the church. He was a great preacher and was known as the “jumping, singing preacher.” To make the church more attractive, brick was placed on the church and a cornerstone was laid by Brazoria Masonic Lodge #104. Rev. Mackey served as pastor for 17 years.

 

Reverend W. Alford was called as pastor in 1983. He continued to lead the church in a great way. The membership continued to grow under his leadership and more initiatives were taken to improve worship service. A church nursery was created, the sanctuary was enlarged with office space, and the cafeteria was remodeled. Pastor Alford served for five years and went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 1988.

 

The seventh pastor sent by God in February 1989 was Reverend Adrian S. Johnson. Under Pastor Johnson’s leadership, several ministries were added with emphasis on GMZ youth and senior membership. The sanctuary was also remodeled. Pastor Johnson was given a vision to erect a multi-ministry building to serve Greater Mount Zion and the local community. In November 1992 a ground-breaking ceremony was held with construction completed in July 1993. The educational wing of the building was dedicated in memory of Deacon Sherman Simple Sr. In 1996 Sister Charlene Moore was hired as a full-time office administrator for the church. On September 12, 2004, Pastor Johnson resigned to devote his time to a ministry he organized.

 

On February 3, 2005, God sent Elder Roland K. Hendricks, to be the eighth pastor of Greater Mount Zion Church. a great man of God. The vision God gave Pastor Hendricks for GMZ is “Impacting The Total You”. Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Hendricks has made a positive impact within GMZ and the community. Ministries were added or reorganized to better serve the people.

 

In 2007, Pastor Hendricks was given the vision to build another sanctuary to accommodate GMZ membership growth. Ten acres of property was purchased and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 28, 2009. DaySpring Resources was hired as the construction company, BBA Architect was hired to design the building, many sub-contractors were engaged to complete various segments of the church, and TDECU was utilized for financing. The Grand Opening & Church Dedication was held on June 12, 2010 with a police escort from the East Campus to the West Campus, a Church Dedication Program and concluded with a Praise-Worship-Celebration Service. Phase I of the West campus consists of a 500-seat sanctuary, seven classrooms, prayer room, bookstore, kitchen and administrative suite.

 

In 2016, construction started with Phase 2 & 3 which consists of a full size gym, exercise room, men and women lock room with showers, four classrooms, recording studio, concession stand, and storage. The building was occupied in September 2017. The building name is GMZ Event Center. Many events are held in this building including weddings, showers, birthday parties, basketball tournaments, volleyball tournaments, open basketball, plays and worship services.

 

GMZ has a rich history we are extremely proud of and we are excited about our future. We are thankful for the many pastors and members who came before us to set the stage for our success. We are grateful for the members who have embraced the vision to help us build God’s Kingdom.