About Mt Zion Baptist Church
By the late 1800’s Blythewood’s small black population had gained the confidence of the Black community to encourage the formation and support of independent institutions to provide African Americans opportunities in addressing their spiritual and educational needs. In addressing these needs, three (3) strong hard-working men under God’s directions, set forth as founders to establish what was then and now, Mount Zion Baptist Church. Our founders are Deacon Jacob Jackson, Deacon Archie Johnson and Deacon Harry Turner. It has been passed on by our ancestors that Mount Zion Baptist Church was established years prior to 1872. In research of records within the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (many records of the department were destroyed by fire), records reflect 1872 as the established date of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
By the late 1800’s Blythewood’s small black population had gained the confidence of the Black community to encourage the formation and support of independent institutions to provide African Americans opportunities in addressing their spiritual and educational needs. In addressing these needs, three (3) strong hard-working men under God’s directions, set forth as founders to establish what was then and now, Mount Zion Baptist Church. Our founders are Deacon Jacob Jackson, Deacon Archie Johnson and Deacon Harry Turner. It has been passed on by our ancestors that Mount Zion Baptist Church was established years prior to 1872. In research of records within the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (many records of the department were destroyed by fire), records reflect 1872 as the established date of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Having the desire to serve the educational needs of the black children in the community, Mount Zion Baptist Church opened its doors with little materials and stepped out on Faith to serve those with the opportunities of reading, writing and arithmetic.
Other messengers are as follows: 2nd Reverend Jackson, 3rd Reverend Simon, 4th Reverend A. Chandler (1896, served 44 yrs.), 5th Reverend J.C. Spann, 6th Reverend W.C. Sanders (1939), 7th Reverend C.M. Freeman, 8th Reverend Tobin (served 2 yrs.), 9th Reverend Ernest Simmons (1952), 10th Reverend Dr. Leander West (1990-2020), and our current 11th pastor, Reverend Vincent Rutledge. Reverend Terry Green served as youth pastor from 2012-2014. Reverend Vincent Rutledge (associate minister) served as Interim Pastor July 2020 – October 9, 2021.
Years later and the passing of several laws, Richland County provided funds to the Black community to erect Bethel School. These funds provided greater resources and opportunities to blacks. Over the years, God has sent His messengers to deliver His Word. Our first pastor was Reverend John Williams (served until disabled).
Reverend Timothy Myers currently serves as Associate Minister. Reverend Dr. Leander West was conferred the title of Pastor Emeritus on May 2, 2021 and currently serves in the position as Pastor Emeritus.
In developing the church within protocol, deacons and trustees were called to serve. Our deacons over the years included the following: Deacon James Williams, Deacon Nathan Jackson, Deacon Green Bolar, Deacon Pat Canzater, Deacon Silas Able, Deacon S.M. Miller, Deacon Jessie McCorkle, Deacon Charlie Hagler, Deacon David Dubard, Deacon Nelson Able, Deacon Daniel Trapp, Deacon Leroy Taylor, Deacon Odell Brown, Deacon Roosevelt Kennedy, Deacon Jacob Bluford, Deacon James Stewart, Sr., Deacon Walter M. Hagler, Deacon Fletcher Green, Sr., Deacon W.D. Trapp, Deacon Joseph Stewart, Deacon Steve Hall, Deacon Eugene Trapp, Deacon Larry Green – (Deacon Board Chairman), Deacon David Roberson, Deacon Melvin Trapp (current) and Deacon Ricky Ball (current). Our current trustees are: Trustee Jepsy Trapp, Sr., Trustee John Trapp, Trustee Melissa Entzminger, Trustee J.C. Trapp and Trustee David Green – (Trustee Board Chairman).
Under the guidance and leadership of our leaders, several auxiliaries were formed and are as follows: Deacon Board, Deaconess Board, Trustee Board, Senior Missionary Society, V.S. Trapp Jr. Missionary Society, Sr. Usherboard, Jr. Usherboard, Jubilee Choir, Musical Choir, Pastor’s Aide Society, Kitchen Department, Program Planning Committee, Youth Department, Sunday School Department, E. Simmons Choir, By-Laws Committee, Brotherhood, Praise Team, First Aide Society, Praise Dance Team, By-Laws Committee, Budget Committee, Building Committee, Pastor’s Search Committee and Bread Ministry.
There have been many contributions from members, pastors and the community that enhanced the development and growth of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Such notable contributions include: additions and upgrades to the church, furnishings, library, communication systems, auxiliaries, security system and financial contributions necessary to carry out the functions of the church in serving its members as well as the community.
Mount Zion Baptist Church stands today on its original grounds. As we witnessed growth over the years, we continue to strive for growth in serving our members and surrounding communities in Christian Spirit.
“As we yet stand on our founding soils, we yet stand on the Faith of our Lord and Savior.”
Click to Join Prayer / Bible Study & Sunday Service
Meeting ID: 834 243 7967 Passcode: ZC8kM6
- Sunday: Morning Service starts at 10:15 AM EST
- Wednesday: Prayer Service starts at 6:30 PM EST
- Wednesday: Bible Study starts at 7:00 PM EST
Click to Get Connected
Fill the form out to contact us or recommend features you would like to see added.