Remembering our past!

Celebrating our present!

Excited about our future!

Mount Zion - Norristown

Celebrating over 182 years worshiping God and serving our community.

The Christian Recorder

Our History

WALK OF FAITH FOR 180 YEARS

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1787 by Richard Allen, who along with Absolom Jones and others, walked out of “old” Saint George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania over what they considered to be the unacceptance of their right to worship God beside their white brothers and sisters.  African Methodist were the first people of Color to own real estate in America (Mother Bethel Church, Philadelphia, Pa. – 1793), to publish a religious weekly newspaper (The Christian Recorder – 1841), and to promote and finance an institution of higher education (Wilberforce University, near Xenia, Ohio – 1863).

As early as 1824, Negro Methodist preachers such as Jarena Lee were preaching the gospel in Norristown.  In 1830, “Negroes or Colored People” as they were called at that time, gathered for worship in a building at Airy and Walnut Streets. The original building was converted to a dwelling house and was destroyed by fire in approximately 1970.  In 1832, the congregation officially organized and adopted the name “MOUNT ZION”.  Most of the members of the church were of slave background, and when their master came looking for them, they had escaped into Canada.  During this time, John and James Lewis held meetings in their home in Spring Mill.  In the year 1845, these people returned to Norristown with great determination and courage and land was then purchased at Chain and Lafayette Streets where the first house of worship, a one story church was built.    The church was known as the “Colored Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. Because of segregation in the Norristown schools, it also housed in this building what was called a ”Colored School” from 1845 until 1853. The congregation lost the site due to “misplaced trust”.  In the early history of Mt. Zion, a circuit was formed of the following churches:  Centerville, Deep Valley and Norristown.  In the ensuing negotiations, the members again made a mistake by entrusting their funds into improper hands and were awakened to the fact too late; that they had again lost their money and all records were destroyed.  This greatly discouraged the members.  In the midst of disappointment and sorrows, Mother Caroline Lewis came to the front and said -  “I’ll get the money if you will buy and build”.  The members thought she could not do this; but with prayer and dedication, Sister Lewis in several weeks time, had produced pledges to cover the cost of securing property.

After a great deal of searching, they built in 1853 what was known as the “Basin Street Church” on ground that extended to Spruce Street, next to the Charity Hospital (later named Montgomery Hospital).  This building was large enough to accommodate 120 students. The congregation moved into the Basin Street Church in 1853, and its pastor was the Reverend Norris.

 The first Trustees were Brothers Samuel Jones, Thomas Harris, George W. Vanleer, Albanis S. Fisher, John Whitelock, Thomas Emerson and Henry Vandyke.  These seven men were elected by ballot on October 13, 1860, in accordance with the Charter. After 10 years of petitions from “colored people” in the area, (according to historical records of 1883); the Norristown School Board agreed to allow all students to attend the school closest to their home.

 On May 20, 1867, the Church was granted its Charter under the name and style of “MOUNT ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORRISTOWN.”

 

 Reverend Amos Wilson paid off the first mortgage (1884).   Reverend J. E. Moore paid off another mortgage with Sister Caroline Lewis burning the same (1886).

Mt. Zion’s historic spiritual, social and political leadership in the community is exemplary.  It served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.  The church maintained a cemetery up until 1884, as a service to “Colored” citizens.  It was known as the “Colored Zion Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery” located at Pearl and Lafayette Streets.  Due to the erection of a larger building on Basin near Powell Street, the Chain Street location was vacated in 1853. Charles R. Barker’s files at the Historical Society record that in March 1884, Charles Y. Smith, undertaker, removed bodies from the Negro Cemetery on Pearl Street in Norristown to “Red Hill”.   “Red Hill” is an area in King of Prussia on Route 202, across from the Hilton Hotel.  (Bean’s History, page 1121).  It indicates that U. S. Senator Jonathan Roberts died in July, 1854 at 83 years and at his request was buried on a part of his land called “Red Hill”; he appropriated two acres for the poor of the neighborhood to bury their dead free of charge.  Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church of Norristown moved 190 bodies from the Pearl Street grounds.  Only a few tombstones within a walled enclosure mark the Roberts family burials.  Most of the other burials are unmarked.

 During the pastorate of the Rev. Wilbur B. Williams, Montgomery Hospital authorities wanted our church property so that they could have more space to build.  After proper negotiations, Montgomery Hospital (1915) bought the Basin Street property and paid for the ground where our church now stands.  The architecture of this church was copied from a church in Switzerland. The church was dedicated on November 21, 1915 and it was built for a congregation of 125 members and a Bible School for about 75 young folks. The Daily Herald dated November 13, 1915, gives a detailed account on the dedication of this new Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church.  The building cost $11,000.00 to build and when the dedication was held, a hand full of members only owed $3,000.00 on the building.

 Thereafter, an Amendment to the Charter was filed on July 20, 1916, changing the name to “Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church”.  The decree granting the Amendment was dated September 11, 1916.  The Trustees at that time were Charles H. Hardy, Charles E. Yelletts, James Harrison Jones, George A. Cottman, Robert Smith, Percival L. Griffin and J. Clarence Tolbert.

Mt. Zion is proud to have been in the forefront of the struggle for dignity and justice for all.  Today, the church serves young people in the greater Norristown Community through its Tutorial and other youth related programs.  There are Ministries for Singles, Couples, Bereaved, Alcohol and Substance Abuse as well as for Spiritual Growth.

 

From the very start, Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church has been blessed with strong dynamic leadership and faithful followers who have accomplished many things over the years.  Our ministers have come to Mt. Zion from various districts in the A. M. E. Church.

The following ministers have served Mt. Zion well over the years:

Rev. Driver                                                                                                  Rev. Dickerson

Rev. Burney                                                                                        1924 - Rev. Burbage

Rev. Rhoades                                                                                1924 -  Rev. Dandridge

Rev. Norris                                                                                                          Rev. Dorcé

Rev. William H. Winder                                                                                    Rev. Shirley

Rev. Pierce                                                                                                    Rev. Fountain

Rev. Hazlett                                                                                               Rev. Alex Jones

Rev. Ambash                                        (Ten year Tenure) – Rev. Walter Wade Jacobs

Rev. Wilksholm                                                                                     Rev. W. T. Stewart

Rev. Amos Wilson                                                                               Rev. James Dennis

Rev. C. Jones                                                                               Rev. Matthew H. Jones

Rev. Edwards                                                                                   Rev. Leslie S. McNeil

Rev. Brooks                                                                               Rev. Eugene E. McAshan

Rev. Hood                                                                                        Rev. William P. Foley

Rev. Christmas                                                                                 Rev. James H. Bailey

Rev. Yeiser                                                                                    Rev. Forrest H. Worten

Rev. Birch                                                                                              Rev. J. A. Portlock

Rev. West                                                                                      Rev. Harry J. White, Jr.

Rev. Cooper                                                                            Rev. Mikarl D. Thomas, Sr.

Rev. J. E. Moore                                                                         Rev. Dr. Jeffrey N. Leath

Rev. Goins                                                                                          Rev. Ellis B. Louden

Rev. Seith                                                                             Rev. Dr. Charles B. Williams

Rev. M. Smith                                                                                Rev. Joseph N. Cousin

Rev.  Wilbur B.  Williams - 1915                                                               

Rev. J. R. Reed

Our present Pastor is Reverend Kanice D. Johns and she came to us in June 2002.

Note:  In earlier years, the members only referred to the Pastor by last name – hence

          many of the pastors first names or initials are not listed.

References  Daily Herald, Saturday, Nov. 13. 1915

       Daily Herald, May 3, 1962

       The Second Hundred Years, Vol 2, pages 1230, 1241 at Historical Society of M. C.

      Copies of Charter – Prothonotary of Montgomery County, page

                      Copies of Amended Charter – Prothonotary of Montgomery County, page

       History of Montgomery County, Pa., Edited by Theodore W. Bean, Vol. II, Everts & Peck - 1884  

“WALK OF FAITH PROGRESS”

Continued

     

The 40’s

W. W. Jacobs, Pastor – Presiding … mortgage burned on October 14, 1945 … Youth Choir and Youth Usher Board organized … President of Senior Usher Board appointed.

W. T Stewart, Pastor – Presiding … Formation of church marching band which participated within the community … Young people were instructed by Pastor Stewart … First modern organ was purchased.  Rev. Edward Ellis was ordained a Local Elder on September 8, 1947.

The 50’s

J. Dennis, Pastor – Presiding ... Alter Guild became the Cooperative Club.

M. H. Jones, Pastor – Presiding … Sunday School Students rendered popular drama performances.  Weekday Bible School for elementary school children in community was held …new church kitchen installed …Gospel Chorus was formed.

The 60’s

L. S. McNeil, Pastor – Presiding … Sanctuary completely renovated … purchase of new pews … Parsonage Club formed … Young Adult Choir formed and later became known as the Celestial Choir … Everybody’s Birthday Rally organized … Lot on South side of church purchased … Hostess Club organized.

E. E. McAshan, Pastor – Presiding … Church was air conditioned … Fellowship Room renovated … (1216 Locust St Parsonage) was air conditioned and redecorated … South Carolina Day observance initiated … Canvas campaign launched $14,000 in pledges within two years; membership more than doubled:  “Night in White” organized … Public Address System  with synchronized chimes installed … pulpit usher communication phones installed … new office furniture purchased … first church to publish a weekly All-Church Press Newspaper.

J. H. Bailey, Pastor – Presiding … new organ purchased with fundraising project … Sanctuary enlarged with additional pews in over-flow room and carpeting purchased for entire church … new fencing placed around church property … chairs purchased for choir loft by Gospel Chorus … Laymen’s Organization formed … The Rachel J. Smith Missionary Society was organized … $1,000 bequeathed to the church (part of this money was used to purchase a plaque in honor of Rev. and Mrs. Bailey and a $500 Certificate was purchased for building fund purposes) … Co-Op Club kitchen projects accomplished:  new stove, wall cabinets, china, silverware, pots and pans, refrigerator, and window cabinets.

The 70’s

J. A. Portlock, Pastor – Presiding … Tiny Tot Choir organized.

H. J. White, Jr., Pastor – Presiding … Young Choir renamed Ebony Choral Ensemble … Male Chorus reorganized … Gospel Chorus combined with Senior Choir and is now known as the Senior Choir … purchase of new parsonage (3031 Appledale Road, Audubon, Pa.) … Bible Study Class formed … Y.P.D. (Young People’s Division) reorganized … HARAMBEE Club formed … October 7 to 13, 1973, we celebrated our 143rd Anniversary with Rev. J. L. Dandridge as speaker.

M. D. Thomas, Sr., Pastor – Presiding … Painting of Sanctuary … installation of new copper plumbing pipes from the main line through the entire church … new gutters and drainage system around the

exterior of the church … replacement of tile in the foyer and lower auditorium of the church … refinishing of altar and railings in the foyer and staircase … re-plastering of walls in lower auditorium hall and men’s lavatory … decorating of church office … maintenance of masonry work on exterior of church … hanging of draperies in lower auditorium … initiated the purchase of garage adjacent to the church… increase in Church budget … increase in church membership … Organizing of the Women’s Christian Fellowship … Organizing of Junior Stewards … Organizing of the Senior Achievers … Celestial Choir renamed Chancel Choir … Painting and wallpapering of interior of parsonage … Landscaping of yard and building of a patio at the parsonage … Burned the mortgage on the parsonage … Mt. Zion played a key role in the reactivation of the Norristown Branch of the N.A.A.C.P.

The 80’s

J. N. Leath, Pastor – Presiding … The altar was extended.  The chancel area and choir loft were reconfigured and painted … Finalized the purchase of the building on North side of church.  Building was demolished and a parking lot was built.  New heating system installed … Class Leader System revitalized and Leaders were assigned members in a geographical manner.  System worked well … Fireplace installed in family room at parsonage … First Church Van purchased.

The 90’s

E. B. Louden, Pastor – Presiding … Building Fund established … Joseph Rainey, Architect was commissioned to draw plans for expansion of church.  Bids were let and contractor obtained.  After a year and a half of trying to obtain financing, contractor abandoned the job.  New bids were again let and a new general contractor obtained.  Cost of initial project almost doubled.  Pastor Louden formed an Expansion Committee to work with the Trustees … Many months of hard work with sometimes two to three meetings per week.  Ground breaking ceremony was held on Sunday, October 8, 1995.  Services were held during the construction period at Gotwals Elementary School.  Congregation returned to services in the Sanctuary on July 11, 1996.  Bishop Philip R. Cousin delivered the Message at the Dedication Celebration of the Narthex, Multipurpose Center and General Renovations to the Church Edifice on November 9, 1996 … Construction included removing walls in Nave section of Sanctuary, installing Pastor’s shower and smaller office, and the addition of a large Narthex.  The Multi-Purpose Center consists of ladies’ room, men’s room, janitor closet, choir room and Secretary’s Office on First level and large Multi-purpose room with mini kitchen.  (This room was later named the “Ellis B. Louden Hall”) … Lower Level – Fellowship Hall enlarged, new ceiling and new floor tiles were installed in kitchen; new men’s and ladies’ bathrooms, another janitor’s closet, all new plumbing, and another all purpose room under Louden Hall, which is used for computer training, tutorial programs and other programs.  Future plans are to divide this room into several class rooms with an additional bathroom.  The Finance Office is located on this level.  Installed outside is the access ramp for wheel chair accessibility and security lighting around perimeter … New lighting in Sanctuary, Nave and Louden Hall … Sound System, Security System, closed circuit TV was designed for the entire building.  A new organ was specifically designed and built for the Sanctuary.  The Lord blessed us with Paul Vangrossi, Esq., the Church Solicitor, who donated his extensive services to the church.  Children’s choir was renamed the “Young Voices of Zion” … Class Leaders System continued and it was evident Class Leaders were doing their job by the attendance on their Special Day.

Rev. C. B. Williams, Jr., Pastor – Presiding … The laying of the Cornerstone was held on Saturday, July 11, 1998.  Members of the Trustee Board along with the several members of the Masonic Organization participated in this service.  Rev. Ellis B. Louden also participate in this ceremony.  After School Latchkey Program was instituted and operated in the lower level of the Multipurpose Center.  The Willing Workers Club was organized.

“The New Millennium – 2000”

Rev. J. N. Cousin, Pastor – Presiding … A young man of vision … Young Adult Choir organized.  Drums were purchased … Praise and Worship Team implemented ... Parsonage was completely renovated inside and out … Basement of parsonage waterproofed completely … New furniture purchased for Family Room and Office at the Parsonage … Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at Noon and in the evening at 7:00 p.m. … Church School moved to Saturday … Pastor has appointed Junior Stewards and Trustee Aides … Tutorial program revitalized.  52” Screen TV was purchased for Louden Hall to allow for the overflow crowd from the Sanctuary to watch the services.  

Five computers were purchased for Tutorial Program and community outreach … Three PC’s and three printers were purchased for office use. The Garthwaite Foundation has contributed to the purchase and installation of a hi-tech sound system with speakers installed throughout entire building … replaced two small stained glass sections in the large stained glass window, and has contributed to the replacement of the 15 year old Van.)  Ceiling fans installed in Sanctuary to circulate air … Illuminated outside sign was purchased and installed … Watch Night services implemented and attendance was near capacity.

Rev. Kanice D. Johns, Pastor – Presiding … Shortly after arriving, Pastor Johns advised the congregation that the Lord had told her the mortgage on the parsonage will be paid off in six months. Through prayer and obedience, the balance on the mortgage was paid off in five months.  Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady presided over the Mortgage Burning Services on January 10, 2004.  New furniture was purchased for the parsonage immediately after the pastor arrived.  Many ministries were initiated by Pastor Johns, i.e. the Coat and Soup Ministry which has given over 300 coats to date to Youth and Adults … the School Supplies Ministry gave supplies to approximate 450 children of the community … and the revitalization of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry. …The Couples Club meets during the month of February … The Singles Club was instituted …The Praise Dancers help to lift the Spirit. Greeters were implemented for all services. The Caribbean Ministry is a vital part of our church.  The Caribbean weekend which encompasses Dinner, Fashion Show, Gospel Concert and Worship Services Caribbean style is held on the Fourth weekend in October.  Church School has now returned to Sunday …Educational Achievement Committee functions to help students who are college bound, Scholarship Committee gives a stipend to graduating students of the church …Computer Lab was built to house 10 computers and these computers are used by the Tutorial Program … Internet hookup has begun with the Norristown Area School District whereby parents can check on their children’s curriculum, activities, tardiness or absenteeism. … The Men’s Bible Study which was initiated is held on the first Saturday of each month.  The Lay Organization was revitalized with 20 members. … An office has been built in the Green Room for Presiding Elder Lett.  …The Precious Stones Ministry, a monthly gathering for our active Senior Citizens conducts seminars, workshops and activities to address their needs. The Ministerial Staff has grown to four persons, i.e. Rev. Helen M C. Jones, our first Female Local Elder who was ordained at the 187th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference on May 24, 2003, Rev. Wilberta Jackson, Rev. Aisha McMillan and Rev. Tiffany Martin, also Licentiates Tesha Miller and Charles H. Lett, Jr.  The Music Department consists of “The Mass Choir”, Senior Choir, Male Chorus, The Young Voices Of Zion, Caribbean Choir and the Praise and Worship Choir. The Lay Choir is our newest choir.  Bro. Bryant Martin is the Music Department Coordinator.  Our musician is Pianist/Organist & electronic keyboard player is Bro. Oscar Williams. The Flower Club continues to make certain flowers are on the Altar weekly.  The Co-Op Club, the Ushers, Trustees, Stewards and Missionary are all functioning well.  The Institute for Christian Living Ministry is a new ministry that conducts specialized Bible Studies, computer and exercise classes.  Vacation Bible School is held in July for one week in the evening for Youth and Adults.  The members of the Trustee Board along with volunteers from the congregation keeps the church clean.  .

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