The History of Mount Zion Church

During the depression of 1932, Elder J.C. Jackson founded Yuma Street Church of God in Christ in Manhattan, Kansas. Yuma Street Church of God in Christ would later be renamed Mount Zion Church of God in Christ. Elder Jackson continued to pastor and provided leadership for the community until the early 1940’s. The mantle was then passed to Elder Richardson who served as Pastor until the mid 1940’s.

Mount Zion experienced tremendous changes during the late 1940’s until 1959. During those years Elder Grushin, Elder Henson, Elder Mills, and Elder Carr all served as pastor of Mount Zion Church of God in Christ. Throughout these challenging times of world wars, equal rights struggles, and financial oppression, Mount Zion remained a beacon of holiness.

The winds of stability began to blow in 1960 when Bishop Pleas appointed Elder William H. McDonald as Pastor of Mount Zion. During the pastorate of Elder McDonald, the church experienced enormous growth. The church also added a kitchen and dinning area to its facility. Elder McDonald remained pastor until 1968 when Bishop J.O. Owens installed Elder Caleb J. Weathersby as pastor.

Elder Caleb J. Weathersby was installed as pastor of Mount Zion in March of 1968. Under the leadership of Pastor Weathersby, the church continued to grow and remaind a lighthouse for men and women in the community. During Elder Weathersby’s tenure, Elder Taylor established a prison ministry in the Riley County Law Enforcement Center in 1998.

The Music Department recorded its first CD on September 2, 2000. This recording was made at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, where several musicians from across America provided their talents to make this recording a great success. Mount Zion is truly committed to enhancing the community by focusing on the family. We have hosted several Marriage Enrichment Conferences where couples have left encouraged, more devoted to their marital vows, and their covenant to God to remain married more than ever before.

On January 18, 2003, Mount Zion Church of God in Christ and the City of Manhattan, Kansas, suffered a tremendous loss. The Lord called Superintendent Weathersby home. This concluded Superintendent Weathersby’s 35 years of dedicated service to the community. We will always have fond memories of Pastor Weathersby, his commitment to holiness, and his dedication to the Lord.

On February 2, 2003, Bishop William H. McDonald appointed Elder Carl B. Taylor as the Pastor for Mount Zion Church of God in Christ. On April 26, 2004, the church held its final service in the old building erected in 1932. Under the leadership of Elder Taylor, a ground-breaking service was held, and the construction on the new edifice began. During this time of construction, Mount Zion’s weekly services were held at Pilgrim Baptist Church. The church experienced many challenges during this time; however, the Lord was faithful and directed us through these challenges.

The Mount Zion Family Day Care provides quality care for families in the Manhattan community. The day care is a new addition to the ministry.

The Youth Department continues to “Train up a child in the way that he should go:” (Proverbs 22: 6a). This teaching along with Tuesday night Prayer and Bible Study, and Thursday night pastoral teaching has strengthened the members, providing instructions to the whole man through the word of God.

The Missions Department continues to reach out to families within the City of Manhattan, leading numerous souls to receive Christ, and strengthen those who have made confessions of salvation. The Prison Ministry team continues to carry the Gospel to confined souls every Sunday morning.

The Lord has blessed the members of Mount Zion with a new edifice, but our focal point is to represent Jesus Christ. This mission is to compel men, women, and children of all ages, races, creed, color, and national origin to come and accept Christ as their personal Savior.

In August of 2007, the Mount Zion Family Worship Center celebrated its 75th church anniversary. We thank everyone who attended our church celebration. In addition, we extend a thank you to those who were not able to attend and yet supported the church. The Lord has blessed the members of Mount Zion with a new edifice, but our focal point is to represent Jesus Christ. This mission is to compel men, women, and children of all ages, races, creed, color, and national origin to come and accept Christ as their personal Savior.