| The History Of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Waukegan, Illinois |
| The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1952, under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Cleave McKenzie. The first official church roll consisted of six members. They were Amy Walton, Susie Brandie, Rachel Pemy, Susie McKenzie, Sarah Walls, and the organizer, Rev. McKenzie. The worship services were held at the Y.M.C.A. located on South Genesee Street in Waukegan. Rev. McKenzie served as pastor for four years until he resigned in the year 1956. Rev. John Senter was chosen as pastor and briefly served for one year. Rev. Bruce Ivy was chosen as pastor in 1957. Under his leadership, the church relocated to the Barwell Center on South Genesee Street. During the search for a home, worship services were held in the old Elks building on South Utica Street. In 1958, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church purchased the Trinity A.M.E. Church at 541 Oak Street in Waukegan, and remained in that building until the year 1992. Under Rev. Ivy’s leadership, the church membership grew with many souls being added as the Lord saw fit. As the membership continued to grow, many ministries were formed to accommodate the fast growing membership. Rev. Ivy’s vision led to the following ministries being formed: The Mother’s Board Ministry, The Adult and Youth Choirs Ministry, The Senior Mission Ministry and in 1958, the Board of Ushers Ministry. The Youth Usher Board Ministry was organized in 1972 by Sis. Dorothy Clark. On October 19, 1960, the women of Mount Zion united and celebrated Women’s Day. Also, on November 4, 1960, the men of the church did the same and celebrated Men’s Day. In 1972, a Scholarship Fund was established to aid the youth in reaching their educational goals. Having been taught that fellowship is essential to the spiritual growth; the annual picnic was organized and is currently held each year. The church became a member of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. and the Sunday School Congress in 1974. The years between 1978 – 1982, 5 deacons were crowned. They were Deacon Leon Leonard, Deacon R.C. Jemison, and Deacon Hermon King and Dea. Aaron Varnell and Dea. Willie McDaniel. The Lord continued to bless Rev. Bruce Ivy, and on December 8, 1986, he resigned from his pastoral duties in good health. Rev. Ivy then left the church in the pastoral care of Rev. Joe Woffard and Rev. Ezell Robins. The membership decided to turn to God for a pastor, and God, knowing their needs, led Rev. Arthur J. Gass, Sr. to Mount Zion. He was then chosen to be the fourth pastor in the church’s current 65th year of existence. Rev. Woffard and Rev. Robbins relocated to sister churches. Under Pastor Gass’ leadership, the church continues to grow. Many things have been accomplished and there is still much more to do. In 1987 Mt. Zion was incorporated and given the title “Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Waukegan” in order to distinguish herself from all other existing churches under the name of “Mount Zion”. As his responsibilities grew, he requested the assistance of Rev. John A. McBride, who soon joined the Mount Zion Family as Assistant to the Pastor. Pastor Gass and the membership had a vision for a new home, in which God’s children could worship. In December 1991, (after a four-year building fund drive) the financial institution approved the loan request and plans were set in motion to build this new edifice for God. Pastor Gass and the Deacons began, what would be a lengthy endeavor, to build the LORD’S house. The plans for building the new church were accelerated on July 2, 1992 when the Pastor and some of the members were summoned to the church by Sis. Lillie Williams, who informed them that the church was on fire. |