Saturday, November 7, 1998

Abilene's first black church rejoices in 113 years

By LORETTA FULTON

Senior Staff Writer

The written history of Mt. Zion Baptist Church contains two sentences that really tell us all we need to know about Abilene's first black church.

The first says the early church, with only a few members, struggled "but through the grace of God it came through singing, 'How I Got Over.' "

That was in 1885.

Later, 102 years later to be exact, we learn that in May 1987 the Rev. R.E. Carter of Gatesville accepted the call as pastor of the church.

"The Rev. Carter came singing, 'I Don't Know About Tomorrow, But I Know He Holds My Hand,' " the history tells us.

Thoughtful minds can connect the two hymns and know why Mt. Zion has not only survived since 1885 through two fires, racial segregation, and other hardships, but has grown stronger with the passing years.

At Mt. Zion, they started out singing God's praises, and they're still doing it.

Today and Sunday church members both present and past will celebrate the church's unique history in a city that was born just four years before the church took root -- and you can be sure that singing will still play an important part.

Those 113 years of history will not only be relived, but also rejoiced during gatherings today and Sunday. A banquet featuring longtime pastor the Rev. I.S. Moreland will begin at 6:30 tonight at the Clarion Inn.

The regular worship will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday and at 3 p.m. the Rev. K.R. White, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, will be featured speaker for a special time of music by several churches in the area, refreshments, preaching, and remembering.

The church's head deacon, Earl Williams, chuckled when he noted that Sunday's guest preacher, White, just helped celebrate the 100th anniversary of Macedonia Baptist.

"We've been there, we've done that," Williams said of the 100th celebration.

Tonight's dinner at the Clarion will honor all members age 65 and older and will pay tribute to some of the deceased, although not all, because of the church's long history.

"We definitely can't name them all -- we'd be there all night," Williams said.

For the most part, the gatherings tonight and Sunday will be times for sharing memories, tears, and laughs.

"It's just a fun affair, basically," said Minnie Moore, a member since 1944 and an organizer of the celebration.

Mt. Zion was organized in 1885 by the Rev. James Curry, a missionary from Sherman. The Rev. James Lewis was the first pastor, and the church met in a small house near the railroad tracks until 1907 when a sanctuary was erected at South 4th and Cherry.

The church moved to the northside in 1940 at the corner of Ash and State, which is now Stafford. It moved across the street to its present location in 1971.

In 1995 the Texas Historical Commission placed a marker in front of the church. But the church's history mainly is recorded in memories and stories of its people. On Nov. 1 the Rev. Kelvin Kelley, formerly of Brownwood, became the latest in a long line of preachers at Mt. Zion.

Possibly the most familiar name associated with Mt. Zion is that of Moreland, who moved here in 1968 from Altus, Okla., to become pastor. He served until 1986.

During Moreland's pastorate, fire destroyed the church and Moreland was successful in raising $10,000 to help build the present structure. Another fire struck the church on Dec. 4, 1988, and in the spring of 1989, the building was restored at a cost of $70,000.

Like most black churches, Mt. Zion has always served as more than just a church in the community.

"It's the oldest black institution in this town," Williams said.

Abilene's first black school was housed at Mt. Zion beginning in 1885. During the days of racial segregation, black churches, including Mt. Zion, served as social gathering places and were symbolic of neighborhood cohesiveness.

"That's what makes us so strong today," Williams said.

With 113 years of history, Mt. Zion is ready to look to the future. Members are trying to raise $40,000 to renovate a building next door for use as a community center and educational wing.

No matter what the future brings, most likely folks at Mt. Zion have already seen it. It's doubtful that any adversity will crop up in the next 113 years that the congregation won't be able to handle.

As Williams pointed out, the church's theme is "Aim to Keep on Pressing."