Church History
ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF GARY, INDIANA INC.
The Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana began in 1955, under the auspices and direction of Rev. W. W. Grover, as the Walnut Grove Baptist Church. At the churches inception, it consisted of only four members and a pastor. During this time the church held worship services at its member’s houses. Due to an increase in membership, in January of 1958, the congregation began holding its worship services, with Rev. Nathaniel Cusic and his congregation, at 2542 Tyler St, under the name of ST. Mary Number 2. In 1962, a new house of worship was secured at 1546 Jefferson St. However, in 1963, Rev. Grover resigned leaving the members without a shepherd.
In June of 1963, Rev. Banks became pastor followed by Rev. O’Larry accepting the pastorate on January 20, 1964 and the church was renamed Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The church relocated to 1401 Madison St, where once again the congregation grew. In 1966, Zion prepared to relocate again. With the consent of the Lord, the build at 2367 Massachusetts St. was purchased, and with the skills of man the congregation turned a fired destroyed lumber yard into a house of worship. There were numerous accomplishments made under the leadership of Rev. O’Larry and he remained at Zion until the lord called him home.
In July of 1973, Rev. Willie Johnson was elected pastor. Under Rev. Johnson, Zion witnessed a mortgage burning ceremony in September of 1973. Rev. Johnson served as pastor until 1975 and Rev. J. Williams served as pastor from 1975 until he tendered his resignation in 1977.
Rev. Richard Dodson was the next minister to become pastor of Zion, in 1977 and the church was blessed with convenience of a church van and a fifty-four passenger bus. Rev. Dodson tendered his resignation in 1979.
In 1980, Rev. Henry Jones was selected as pastor. Under the leadership of Rev. Jones, a fellowship was formed between Zion, True Faith, and New Way Baptist Church. The name chosen for the fellowship was Unity Mass Fellowship, because where there is unity there is strength. In 1991 Greater New Jerusalem joined the fellowship followed by 2nd St John in 2003 and True Steward joining the ranks in 2004.
During Rev. Jones pastorate, Zion installed a Baptismal Pool and purchased another church van. In 2002 Zion experienced a complete facelift on the outside of the church and by the grace of God and the determination of the congregation it was paid off in 2004. In 2005, the Lord blessed Zion once again with an increase in membership. Rev. Cecil Fuller was added as assistant pastor and Rev. Garry Francis as an associate minister. Under the leadership of Rev. Jones new heights were gained and higher goals were set, however, on January 7, 2007 Pastor Henry Jones gave up the ghost to be with Lord.
During a 6 month grieving period God’s word continued to be brought fourth by minister Costella Jones and Rev. Garry Francis. After 6 months of mourning the loss of Pastor Jones, on October 7, 2007 the installation of Rev. Garry Francis took place and he became the new pastor of Zion. Pastor Francis tendered his resignation, when he could no longer perform his pastoral duties, due to illness.
In 2013 Rev. Victor Carson served as Interim Pastor until his passing and the Lord allowed Rev. Anthony Williams to serve as Pastor from October 2014 until the year 2015.
After a lot of prayer and patiently waiting, the Lord saw fit to bless us with a new Pastor. On October 22, 2016 Rev. Brian Henderson officially became the Pastor of Zion. Rev. Henderson has truly been a blessing to Zion. Under Rev. Henderson’s leadership we have added “Super Sunday” and “All Ministries Day” to our annual worship service days. We have also started Christian Education Classes on Sunday Morning and Wednesday evening. We also have Prayer service on Saturday. The Lord has blessed us to purchase new pulpit furniture, office equipment, and to do some remodeling on the inside of the church.
We have learned that if we truly put our trust in the lord, and acknowledge him in all that we do, He will direct our path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)