Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 126 years

Submitted

The 126th anniversary and homecoming of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., will be held at 10:45 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Joseph Ricks, associate minister, delivering the message.

Mount Zion's first Sunday school began in the Sumter County Courthouse with 10 members about 1894, and for approximately three years, the church services were held there. The church then moved to the Investment Hall on West Liberty Street. After a short period of time, the church was moved to Lincoln High School for about 10 years. Over time, the church building has undergone reconstruction and renovations. Mount Zion was built in 1991 on the present site.

The congregation has been led by only five ministers over its 126 years: The Rev. Simon Tayor, the Rev. A.J. Johnson, the Rev. J.P. Garrick, the Rev. R.W. Stalling, and the Rev. James B. Blassingame, who became the pastor in 1984 and continues to lead the congregation.

The church remains an integral part of Sumter and has many outreach ministries. Through the determination of the inaugural congregation and Rev. Blassingame, the church family has constructed the Mount Zion Enrichment Center, which is open to the community through after-school and youth services and as a venue for civic and private use. The center also houses an Early Headstart program to meet the needs of children and families in the community.

The anniversary celebration is open to the public.