The History of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized on July 17, 1947 by pastors Rev. T. Moore King, former pastor of Second Baptist Church, Rev. C.G. Holston, former pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. John Clayton and Rev. Harris of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
During this organization, there was a membership of eight. A short time later, Rev. R. G. Gates was elected pastor. Under his leadership the church grew to one hundred and sixty-five members and the church basement was built. Rev. Gates served as pastor for two and a half years. On July 11, 1951 the church elected Rev. L.D. Davenport.
On July 15, 1952, Rev. James W. Hill was elected pastor. Under his leadership many of the church auxiliaries were organized. Two hundred and forty additional members were added to the congregation. Rev. Hill served as pastor until his death on July 13, 1961.
On December 11, 1961 Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr. was elected pastor. Under his leadership several new ministries were established. More than sixteen ministers were ordained of which eight are pastors of their own church. A new sanctuary and Family Life Center was built to further the ministry.
On March 31, 2009 Rev. Singleton became the Pastor Emeritus of this great ministry. February 2011, the Mt Zion family celebrated the home going of this great man of God.
We are blessed by God’s continued favor of our ministry through the work of Rev. Dr. David G. Latimore who joined our ministry as Senior Pastor on May 10, 2009. In May of 2015, Pastor Latimore received his Doctorate of Ministry degree in Homiletics from McCormick Theological Seminary in May 2015. Rev. Dr. Latimore is a fourth year PH. D student in theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School.
Under Dr. Latimore’s leadership Congregational Care and three Pastoral positions were established. Six associate ministers have been licensed. The church expanded its exposure in Joliet and the Chicago area by hosting the first ever community wide worship service at Silver Cross Field. Sunrise Service and the Youth Ministry Praise in the Park 1 and II were held at Bicentennial Park.