MT. ZION #3 MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
The Mt. Zion #3 Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1873 by several individuals in the Claud Community. However, Mt. Zion #3 was believed to have been established as an outgrowth from more established churches in the surrounding areas, such as the Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Tallassee, Alabama, and churches in Eclectic, Alabama. With a sizeable population in the Claude area of Eclectic at that time, there appeared to have been a need for a church in the area. The Rev. E.G. Simpson was the first known pastor and served for many years.
In June of 1926, Mr. Luke Lewis Paschal, who was born in 1889 and was said to have joined Mt. Zion #3 at an early age, and his first wife, Hagar Paschal, sold for $40 two acres of land for a formal church seat and cemetery. The deeds giving Mt. Zion full ownership of the land were recorded in June of 1927. The current church edifice and cemetery still sit on this land. During its more than 100-year history, Mt. Zion has endured many tests against it and through God's loving abundance and mercy. The church has had several pastors throughout its history. To name a few, Rev. D.E. Robinson, Rev. W.C. Hardnett, Rev. J.C. Cottrell, Rev. Willie J. Price, Rev. Oscar L. Brown, Rev. Elijah Thomas, Rev. James D. Oliver, and the current pastor, Rev. JaCorey D. Calloway.
Rev. Robinson and Rev. Hardnett, who both led the church during the 1950s and 1960s, were strong men in stature and spirituality. They were known for their outstanding, soul-stirring messages. Rev. Cottrell, who came in the 1970s, was key in helping to build a new church structure. Under his leadership, members held fund-raisers and made many donations to build the new structure. During his tenure, a building was erected, but was never fully completed by the end of his pastorate.
Rev. Price continued the building process during his short tenure at Mt. Zion. He was followed by Rev. Brown, who along with his wife, were powerhouses in the spirit. Rev. Brown preached and sang with vigor. During that time, the worship services were "high spirited." When Rev. Brown left the area, the church had to search for another pastor. Rev. Elijah Thomas had been serving as a "semi-assistant" to Rev. Brown, and was called to fill in as pastor. He officially was installed in late 1980. Rev. Thomas provided a comforting feel and steady leadership to the church for over 28 years. During his tenure, the membership declined considerably due to the death of many of the long-time members and the relocation of others. Still, Rev. Thomas pledged to get the church rebuilt. After many setbacks with contractors and poor workmanship, the current structure was completed in 2007. A year later, Rev. Thomas died. The death of Rev. Thomas brought about the uncertainty of the future of Mt. Zion #3. A few of the remaining members met with the Rev. Clifford Thomas, moderator of the Elmore-Rehoboth District, regarding the direction and prospects of maintaining a viable church.
After much deliberation, God's infinite hand shown once again and He sent Rev. James D. Oliver as the shepherd of Mt. Zion. Installed in August of 2008, Pastor Oliver reinvigorated the worship experience, as well as continued to improve the church building and grounds. He instituted weeknight Bible study and Sunday School, and restarted the church choir and usher board. In regards to the buildings and grounds, under his short leadership, he has had air conditioning installed, improved the kitchen and pastor study facilities, and installed signs identifying the church building. Pastor Oliver started working on projects that will enhance church life and increase membership. In August of 2012 Pastor Oliver Resigned and the church was without a leader.
Several months went by and in February 2013, Rev. JaCorey D. Calloway was called as Pastor of Mt. Zion #3. Rev. Calloway was installed as Pastor on April 21, 2013. Pastor JaCorey D. Calloway is continuing working on the expansion of the church. Pastor Calloway has continued with weeknight Bible Study and Sunday School. Pastor Calloway has revived Mt. Zion #3 to be one of the prominent churches in the area. Under his leadership there have been several accomplishments. He has ordained 1 Deacon and created several new Ministries such has Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Pastor Aides, and Finance Committee. Pastor Calloway has Started and completed Landscaping project, Installed signage for Parking (Pastor, Guest Pastor, First Lady), Open doors every Sunday including 5th Sundays, Pastor was appointed as Assistant Dean in the Elmore Rehoboth District Association, Church became an active member of the Elmore Rehoboth District Association, Created a new Church website, Broke ground on New Edition by clearing land, Poured Foundation for New Edition, 24 Hour ADT Alarm Installed, Created New church motto and mission statement and created a Prayer line. More importantly many souls have been saved under the leadership of Pastor Calloway.
The goal of expansion in church membership and expansion of the building project is still in the works. Throughout its history, Mt. Zion #3 has been a home away from home for many persons in Elmore County, the Elmore-Rehoboth District, and surrounding Districts. Even churches of various denominations have unselfishly supported the mission and programs of the church. The church continues to be a member of the Elmore-Rehoboth District and the National Baptist Convention USA Incorporated and is able to stand as a testament to the power.
The Mt. Zion #3 Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1873 by several individuals in the Claud Community. However, Mt. Zion #3 was believed to have been established as an outgrowth from more established churches in the surrounding areas, such as the Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Tallassee, Alabama, and churches in Eclectic, Alabama. With a sizeable population in the Claude area of Eclectic at that time, there appeared to have been a need for a church in the area. The Rev. E.G. Simpson was the first known pastor and served for many years.
In June of 1926, Mr. Luke Lewis Paschal, who was born in 1889 and was said to have joined Mt. Zion #3 at an early age, and his first wife, Hagar Paschal, sold for $40 two acres of land for a formal church seat and cemetery. The deeds giving Mt. Zion full ownership of the land were recorded in June of 1927. The current church edifice and cemetery still sit on this land. During its more than 100-year history, Mt. Zion has endured many tests against it and through God's loving abundance and mercy. The church has had several pastors throughout its history. To name a few, Rev. D.E. Robinson, Rev. W.C. Hardnett, Rev. J.C. Cottrell, Rev. Willie J. Price, Rev. Oscar L. Brown, Rev. Elijah Thomas, Rev. James D. Oliver, and the current pastor, Rev. JaCorey D. Calloway.
Rev. Robinson and Rev. Hardnett, who both led the church during the 1950s and 1960s, were strong men in stature and spirituality. They were known for their outstanding, soul-stirring messages. Rev. Cottrell, who came in the 1970s, was key in helping to build a new church structure. Under his leadership, members held fund-raisers and made many donations to build the new structure. During his tenure, a building was erected, but was never fully completed by the end of his pastorate.
Rev. Price continued the building process during his short tenure at Mt. Zion. He was followed by Rev. Brown, who along with his wife, were powerhouses in the spirit. Rev. Brown preached and sang with vigor. During that time, the worship services were "high spirited." When Rev. Brown left the area, the church had to search for another pastor. Rev. Elijah Thomas had been serving as a "semi-assistant" to Rev. Brown, and was called to fill in as pastor. He officially was installed in late 1980. Rev. Thomas provided a comforting feel and steady leadership to the church for over 28 years. During his tenure, the membership declined considerably due to the death of many of the long-time members and the relocation of others. Still, Rev. Thomas pledged to get the church rebuilt. After many setbacks with contractors and poor workmanship, the current structure was completed in 2007. A year later, Rev. Thomas died. The death of Rev. Thomas brought about the uncertainty of the future of Mt. Zion #3. A few of the remaining members met with the Rev. Clifford Thomas, moderator of the Elmore-Rehoboth District, regarding the direction and prospects of maintaining a viable church.
After much deliberation, God's infinite hand shown once again and He sent Rev. James D. Oliver as the shepherd of Mt. Zion. Installed in August of 2008, Pastor Oliver reinvigorated the worship experience, as well as continued to improve the church building and grounds. He instituted weeknight Bible study and Sunday School, and restarted the church choir and usher board. In regards to the buildings and grounds, under his short leadership, he has had air conditioning installed, improved the kitchen and pastor study facilities, and installed signs identifying the church building. Pastor Oliver started working on projects that will enhance church life and increase membership. In August of 2012 Pastor Oliver Resigned and the church was without a leader.
Several months went by and in February 2013, Rev. JaCorey D. Calloway was called as Pastor of Mt. Zion #3. Rev. Calloway was installed as Pastor on April 21, 2013. Pastor JaCorey D. Calloway is continuing working on the expansion of the church. Pastor Calloway has continued with weeknight Bible Study and Sunday School. Pastor Calloway has revived Mt. Zion #3 to be one of the prominent churches in the area. Under his leadership there have been several accomplishments. He has ordained 1 Deacon and created several new Ministries such has Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Pastor Aides, and Finance Committee. Pastor Calloway has Started and completed Landscaping project, Installed signage for Parking (Pastor, Guest Pastor, First Lady), Open doors every Sunday including 5th Sundays, Pastor was appointed as Assistant Dean in the Elmore Rehoboth District Association, Church became an active member of the Elmore Rehoboth District Association, Created a new Church website, Broke ground on New Edition by clearing land, Poured Foundation for New Edition, 24 Hour ADT Alarm Installed, Created New church motto and mission statement and created a Prayer line. More importantly many souls have been saved under the leadership of Pastor Calloway.
The goal of expansion in church membership and expansion of the building project is still in the works. Throughout its history, Mt. Zion #3 has been a home away from home for many persons in Elmore County, the Elmore-Rehoboth District, and surrounding Districts. Even churches of various denominations have unselfishly supported the mission and programs of the church. The church continues to be a member of the Elmore-Rehoboth District and the National Baptist Convention USA Incorporated and is able to stand as a testament to the power.