HISTORY OF ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1870 – PRESENT
Zion has been part of three distinct phases of Methodism: The Methodist church, The Methodist Episcopal Church-South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. Organized in 1870, Zion was located at the corner of Pond and Adams Streets-site of the old Marion County Courthouse for over 85 years.
Within the years of Methodism at Zion, many outstanding contributions can be attached to almost each minister. Most notable is the Rev. W.O. Bartley, who pastored from 1901-1906. He increased membership from 33 to 202 members. Under his leadership, the construction of an enlarged sanctuary began.
The church mortgage was burned during the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Bartley (1917-1918), who was the nephew of Rev. W.O. Bartley. Membership grew with an additional 92 members.
Several pastors came during the interim years for short periods until 1936 when Rev. S. P. Pratt was appointed. He changed the name from Zion Methodist Episcopal Church to John Steward Memorial Church. Upon his transfer to another church, the name of Zion was restored by the church membership.
In 1939, the three branches of Methodism merged and became known as “The Methodist Church”; thus, we became Zion Methodist Church.
The longest pastoral appointment thus far was with Rev. E. W. Newman from 1957-1965 (eight years). During his leadership, the church transitioned from the old original site to the present one. His pastorate was marked ministerial program.
In December 1958, Zion moved into the small church at the present site (presently family center). Groundbreaking service for our present sanctuary was held on June 7, 1959 at 4:00 p.m. Construction for the new church located on 16th Avenue (renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue) and Old Blitchton Road began in May 1960 and was completed in February 1961. The Cornerstone Laying Service was held on November 6, 1960. The new church opened for worship on February 26, 1961. The Dedicatory Service was held on June 11, 1961, 3:00 p.m. with the message delivered by the late Bishop M.L. Harris.
The 91st Session of the Florida Annual Conference of the Methodist Church opened at Zion on October 31, 1961 with Bishop Harris.
In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church and we became “The United Methodist Church”, thus, our church became Zion United Methodist Church.
On June 1, 1969, 4:00 p.m., the Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held during the pastorate of Rev. Percy L. Blow; Rev. E. W. Newman delivered the sermon.
In 1970, Rev. Ernest H. Johnson was appointed. Under his leadership, additional members were added and a new roof was installed.
In 1974, Rev. Oliver Gordon was appointed. The front end of the sanctuary was renovated and a new organ was purchased for the sanctuary.
Under the ministry of Dr. E. J. Rivers, Jr., a third choir was added in 1977. This choir is known to its church, City of Ocala, around the State of Florida, and a portion of Georgia as Zion United Methodist Church Gospel Choir – “Singing to the Glory of God”. This parsonage was built during his tenure.
Memorial gifts were given to the church under the leadership of Rev. William Butler, who served from 1978-1980.
In 1980, Pastor James E. Brown was appointed to Zion. During his ministry, renovations of the sanctuary were started and completed which included lowering the choir stand, installation of lights, additional classrooms, offices, and lavatories. Additionally, members contributed to the purchase of new pews in memory of family and friends. Pastor Brown inspired Zion to much identifiable spiritual growth through 1983. During this time, Zion became incorporated.
Rev. Golden Smith inspired Zion with this treasury of golden thoughts for two years, 1983-1985.
Rev. William Leslie brought Zion unforgettable members of a Christian home from 1985-1986. The youth choir grew to more than 23 members.
Rev. William Ashley followed in 1986 with words of wisdom and experiences. He initiated a savings account for the building fund.
In 1989, Rev. Harold Dunams was appointed. He did not complete a full year because of illness and Dr. T.A. Harris was appointed to complete the year. During his interim appointment, he baptized 17 adults and children.
In 1990, Pastor James E. Brown returned to Zion out of retirement. Under his second pastorate, the “annex” was constructed (classrooms, a commercial size kitchen, bathrooms and storage area). After a membership vote, the annex was named in honor of Pastor Brown. The Dedicatory Service for the James E. Brown Family Center was held in January 1992. Zion’s insatiable thirst for leadership and knowledge of the Bible was met and expressively expanded through his ministry.
In 1993, Rev. Michael Frazier, Sr. was appointed while completing his seminary training at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He inspired many with his dynamic delivery of God’s Word. Approximately 33 young adults joined Zion and the first young adult choir was started with 17 members. Additionally, the family of the late Ruby Reid gave a memorial gift to Zion and the Ruby Reid Memorial Library was constructed.
In 1998, Pastor Margaret Kartwe became our first female pastor. Family ministries grew abundantly during her pastorate. The first church van was purchased and the van ministry began. Additionally, Zion received grants for outreach (HOPE and COPE, Music Ministry, and building improvement). We had the largest confirmation group to date during her term. Zion had 12 youth to complete Confirmation by committing to Christ and the church. The Scholarship Committee was formed and we received the first NOMAD team.
Rev. May Dell Fletcher was appointed to Zion in June 2001. During her first year, the Male Choir was started and improvements implemented during her appointment include the most extensive parsonage renovations were completed through a parsonage grant, members’ second mile giving and donations; we welcomed the 2nd NOMAD team which worked on the parsonage and church. The parsonage landscaping was upgraded and the church driveway was paved.
October 2005, Rev. Altheria Lenon became the third female pastor at Zion. The church transportation was upgraded and a 14-passenger bus was purchased. In 2008, two outreach ministries began (the Master’s Table to feed the hungry and the SHARE Program whereby community and members can purchase food at a discounted rate). In 2009, additional community outreach ministries were approved and housed at Zion which included a summer school program and an after-school program grant that was awarded in partnership with Marion County Kids Central and a chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In 2012, the pulpit and choir area were renovated by two NOMAD teams and church members.
In July 2012, Pastor Michael Stephens was appointed to Zion after completing his seminary training at Emory School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. His enthusiasm generated excitement and unity within the church which brought about an increase in the overall weekly attendance. Under his leadership, plans were made for church growth, mission and outreach and family fun night was established. All adult choirs were combined to form a Mass Choir and the Youth Choir membership has once again increased. Additionally, Zion built and established a raised bed community garden for the residents of Harvey Fellowship.
July 2014, Pastor Carol Mack-Harrell joined us as Pastor. She has a wealth of experience from Ocala West UMC after serving many years as an Assistant Minister in several capacities. She encourages Salty Service, mission ministry outside the church walls, embraces Fresh Expressions; member-led small group studies; and seeks to expand our church numerically and physically. Our Noon-day Prayer Service was re-ignited with "Prayer for the Spirit and Soup for the Soul". Additionally, our church media ministry was upgraded to include visual screens in the sanctuary and family center and new microphones. In 2015, we acquired the 1.8 acreage property across the street from the church. Plans are being developed to utilize for community outreach and Fresh Expressions programs (ministry outside the church walls). In 2016 Youth Ministry was re-ignited with increased youth participation, attendance and membership. In 2017, Zion had the largest Confirmation class since 2000 with nine youth completing Confirmation and committing to Christ. Our Church-School Partnership was implemented with Howard Middle School, whereby, we sponsored a family night dinner at the school and established an after-school tutorial program for the students. The Sunday School Breakfast Ministry was started which has prompted an increase in Sunday School attendance. In 2020, we celebrated our 150th Church Anniversary; however, plans were altered because of the COVID-19 pandemic which brought about a new norm ministry. Beginning in May, through a technology grant, Zion began to reach out virtually with our worship service, Sunday School and any scheduled ministry meetings. Our Master's Table feeding ministry developed a drive-thru service and our Clothing Giveaway reopened with CDC guidelines of social distancing and wearing masks. Through it all, we still celebrated 150 years of service "Anchored in Lord for a Steadfast Future". In 2022, we still feel the effects of COVID-19 but we continue to press on toward the upward mark. We began the task of upgrading our technology and will continue as we strive to meet media ministry updates. We upgraded our electric panel box to accommodate the NOMADS vehicles and allow electricity access to the annex property, a new freezer was purchased for the family center. Storm damages required us to have the parsonage and sanctuary roofs repaired, trees were trimmed and removed, a new ice machine was purchased. On June 19, 2023, our family center was severally damaged, the kitchen was destroyed through fire and the sanctuary had smoke damage. Church offices were relocated to the church parsonage and worship services were relocated to an off-campus site until restored. Through it all, we are still building God's kingdom.
1870 – PRESENT
Zion has been part of three distinct phases of Methodism: The Methodist church, The Methodist Episcopal Church-South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. Organized in 1870, Zion was located at the corner of Pond and Adams Streets-site of the old Marion County Courthouse for over 85 years.
Within the years of Methodism at Zion, many outstanding contributions can be attached to almost each minister. Most notable is the Rev. W.O. Bartley, who pastored from 1901-1906. He increased membership from 33 to 202 members. Under his leadership, the construction of an enlarged sanctuary began.
The church mortgage was burned during the pastorate of Rev. H. W. Bartley (1917-1918), who was the nephew of Rev. W.O. Bartley. Membership grew with an additional 92 members.
Several pastors came during the interim years for short periods until 1936 when Rev. S. P. Pratt was appointed. He changed the name from Zion Methodist Episcopal Church to John Steward Memorial Church. Upon his transfer to another church, the name of Zion was restored by the church membership.
In 1939, the three branches of Methodism merged and became known as “The Methodist Church”; thus, we became Zion Methodist Church.
The longest pastoral appointment thus far was with Rev. E. W. Newman from 1957-1965 (eight years). During his leadership, the church transitioned from the old original site to the present one. His pastorate was marked ministerial program.
In December 1958, Zion moved into the small church at the present site (presently family center). Groundbreaking service for our present sanctuary was held on June 7, 1959 at 4:00 p.m. Construction for the new church located on 16th Avenue (renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue) and Old Blitchton Road began in May 1960 and was completed in February 1961. The Cornerstone Laying Service was held on November 6, 1960. The new church opened for worship on February 26, 1961. The Dedicatory Service was held on June 11, 1961, 3:00 p.m. with the message delivered by the late Bishop M.L. Harris.
The 91st Session of the Florida Annual Conference of the Methodist Church opened at Zion on October 31, 1961 with Bishop Harris.
In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church and we became “The United Methodist Church”, thus, our church became Zion United Methodist Church.
On June 1, 1969, 4:00 p.m., the Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held during the pastorate of Rev. Percy L. Blow; Rev. E. W. Newman delivered the sermon.
In 1970, Rev. Ernest H. Johnson was appointed. Under his leadership, additional members were added and a new roof was installed.
In 1974, Rev. Oliver Gordon was appointed. The front end of the sanctuary was renovated and a new organ was purchased for the sanctuary.
Under the ministry of Dr. E. J. Rivers, Jr., a third choir was added in 1977. This choir is known to its church, City of Ocala, around the State of Florida, and a portion of Georgia as Zion United Methodist Church Gospel Choir – “Singing to the Glory of God”. This parsonage was built during his tenure.
Memorial gifts were given to the church under the leadership of Rev. William Butler, who served from 1978-1980.
In 1980, Pastor James E. Brown was appointed to Zion. During his ministry, renovations of the sanctuary were started and completed which included lowering the choir stand, installation of lights, additional classrooms, offices, and lavatories. Additionally, members contributed to the purchase of new pews in memory of family and friends. Pastor Brown inspired Zion to much identifiable spiritual growth through 1983. During this time, Zion became incorporated.
Rev. Golden Smith inspired Zion with this treasury of golden thoughts for two years, 1983-1985.
Rev. William Leslie brought Zion unforgettable members of a Christian home from 1985-1986. The youth choir grew to more than 23 members.
Rev. William Ashley followed in 1986 with words of wisdom and experiences. He initiated a savings account for the building fund.
In 1989, Rev. Harold Dunams was appointed. He did not complete a full year because of illness and Dr. T.A. Harris was appointed to complete the year. During his interim appointment, he baptized 17 adults and children.
In 1990, Pastor James E. Brown returned to Zion out of retirement. Under his second pastorate, the “annex” was constructed (classrooms, a commercial size kitchen, bathrooms and storage area). After a membership vote, the annex was named in honor of Pastor Brown. The Dedicatory Service for the James E. Brown Family Center was held in January 1992. Zion’s insatiable thirst for leadership and knowledge of the Bible was met and expressively expanded through his ministry.
In 1993, Rev. Michael Frazier, Sr. was appointed while completing his seminary training at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He inspired many with his dynamic delivery of God’s Word. Approximately 33 young adults joined Zion and the first young adult choir was started with 17 members. Additionally, the family of the late Ruby Reid gave a memorial gift to Zion and the Ruby Reid Memorial Library was constructed.
In 1998, Pastor Margaret Kartwe became our first female pastor. Family ministries grew abundantly during her pastorate. The first church van was purchased and the van ministry began. Additionally, Zion received grants for outreach (HOPE and COPE, Music Ministry, and building improvement). We had the largest confirmation group to date during her term. Zion had 12 youth to complete Confirmation by committing to Christ and the church. The Scholarship Committee was formed and we received the first NOMAD team.
Rev. May Dell Fletcher was appointed to Zion in June 2001. During her first year, the Male Choir was started and improvements implemented during her appointment include the most extensive parsonage renovations were completed through a parsonage grant, members’ second mile giving and donations; we welcomed the 2nd NOMAD team which worked on the parsonage and church. The parsonage landscaping was upgraded and the church driveway was paved.
October 2005, Rev. Altheria Lenon became the third female pastor at Zion. The church transportation was upgraded and a 14-passenger bus was purchased. In 2008, two outreach ministries began (the Master’s Table to feed the hungry and the SHARE Program whereby community and members can purchase food at a discounted rate). In 2009, additional community outreach ministries were approved and housed at Zion which included a summer school program and an after-school program grant that was awarded in partnership with Marion County Kids Central and a chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In 2012, the pulpit and choir area were renovated by two NOMAD teams and church members.
In July 2012, Pastor Michael Stephens was appointed to Zion after completing his seminary training at Emory School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. His enthusiasm generated excitement and unity within the church which brought about an increase in the overall weekly attendance. Under his leadership, plans were made for church growth, mission and outreach and family fun night was established. All adult choirs were combined to form a Mass Choir and the Youth Choir membership has once again increased. Additionally, Zion built and established a raised bed community garden for the residents of Harvey Fellowship.
July 2014, Pastor Carol Mack-Harrell joined us as Pastor. She has a wealth of experience from Ocala West UMC after serving many years as an Assistant Minister in several capacities. She encourages Salty Service, mission ministry outside the church walls, embraces Fresh Expressions; member-led small group studies; and seeks to expand our church numerically and physically. Our Noon-day Prayer Service was re-ignited with "Prayer for the Spirit and Soup for the Soul". Additionally, our church media ministry was upgraded to include visual screens in the sanctuary and family center and new microphones. In 2015, we acquired the 1.8 acreage property across the street from the church. Plans are being developed to utilize for community outreach and Fresh Expressions programs (ministry outside the church walls). In 2016 Youth Ministry was re-ignited with increased youth participation, attendance and membership. In 2017, Zion had the largest Confirmation class since 2000 with nine youth completing Confirmation and committing to Christ. Our Church-School Partnership was implemented with Howard Middle School, whereby, we sponsored a family night dinner at the school and established an after-school tutorial program for the students. The Sunday School Breakfast Ministry was started which has prompted an increase in Sunday School attendance. In 2020, we celebrated our 150th Church Anniversary; however, plans were altered because of the COVID-19 pandemic which brought about a new norm ministry. Beginning in May, through a technology grant, Zion began to reach out virtually with our worship service, Sunday School and any scheduled ministry meetings. Our Master's Table feeding ministry developed a drive-thru service and our Clothing Giveaway reopened with CDC guidelines of social distancing and wearing masks. Through it all, we still celebrated 150 years of service "Anchored in Lord for a Steadfast Future". In 2022, we still feel the effects of COVID-19 but we continue to press on toward the upward mark. We began the task of upgrading our technology and will continue as we strive to meet media ministry updates. We upgraded our electric panel box to accommodate the NOMADS vehicles and allow electricity access to the annex property, a new freezer was purchased for the family center. Storm damages required us to have the parsonage and sanctuary roofs repaired, trees were trimmed and removed, a new ice machine was purchased. On June 19, 2023, our family center was severally damaged, the kitchen was destroyed through fire and the sanctuary had smoke damage. Church offices were relocated to the church parsonage and worship services were relocated to an off-campus site until restored. Through it all, we are still building God's kingdom.