HISTORY OF ZION CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
In 1916 the late Reverend A.W. Winn called together a group of baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was organized what has since been known as The Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Taylor, Texas.
The first Deacons were Manual Johnson and Litt Davis. The first trustees were Litt Davis, Jeff Davis and Jane Davis. In 1917, after organization, a lot was purchased on the corner of East Walnut and Talley Streets. The cost of the lot was $175.00. A large room was built and services were held there until 1918. In 1918 a very small church was built. The membership grew and in 1921 the church was enlarged.
From 1922 to 1936 other notable ministers served at Zion Chapel. They were Reverends L. Newsome, C.C. Reed, G.W. Williams and M. Laws.
In 1936 or during this time, the late Reverend T.B. Reeves was called to Pastor. He was married to Cherry Reeves. In 1940 the first cornerstone ceremony was held. This ceremony was held by A.F. and A.M. Lodge 408. Sister Carrie Price was Secretary. In 1955 the church was remodeled at a cost of $4000. Deacons were Adam Reese, Sr., Joe Callins, Jim Tealer, Tom Henderson, Daniel Zachary, Andrew Hubbard, George Winn, Sr. and George Mays. Charter members included Ellen Hasting, Jennie Bell McNeil, Eliza Davis George and Mrs. (first name unknown) Wade. Some other known members were Martha Green, Mattie Wood, Ennie Green, Mildred Hampton and La’Trail Haminton. Musicians were: J.B. McNeil, Mrs. Meriwether, Lula Scott, Clora Scott, M.M. Davis and Maud Davis. The church was blessed to have Pastor Reeves for over 30 years. He was blessed to live for 98 years. Those that knew him loved him.
In 1968 the late Reverend J.B. Smith was called to Pastor. He was married to Oma Smith. Under his leadership, the baptismal pool was added, the fellowship hall was constructed, an organ, new pews, carpet were purchased and acquisition of a nearby lot. The church became a member of the Saint John’s Association. New Deacons ordained included Robert Tealer, George Winn, Jr., Joe Law and Waymon McLamb. Appointed Trustees during Pastor Smith’s administration included Morris Armstrong and Tony Sorrells, Jr. Associated Ministers were Reverends Willie Gentry and Ernest Young. Secretaries were Lucille Tealer and Daniel Zachary. The church was blessed to have Pastor Smith for 22 years. He was called from labor to reward in November 1989. We were again without a Shepherd.
In March 1990, the Lord blessed the church with a new Sheppard. Reverend Harold Taylor was called by the congregation. He was married to Delores Henderson-Taylor. Under his leadership, the church was remodeled including adding central air and heat, the purchasing of two vans, office equipment, the purchasing of three additional lots and a house. In April 1991, eighteen new members united with the church, seventeen were baptized, one minister, Reverend Larkin Pitts and one Deacon on trial, L.D. Griffin. In 1992, George Winn, Jr., and David McMillian were called into the ministry and George Whitfield, Jr. united with the church; new Deacons were ordained included Eddie Tealer, Sr., Tony Sorrells, Sr., J.T. McFarlin and Willie Shaw; Board of Trustees included Kenneth Tanksley, Alfred Zachary, Morris Armstrong, L.D. Griffin, Nina Zachary and Girlean Butler; Thirty-eight united with the church, forty-eight were baptized, four babies dedicated and three rededicated their lives to Christ. In 1995 the church building was demolished and construction began on a new edifice. During the time of construction, Pastor D. Dillard and the New Pear Valley Church shared their facilities allowing Zion Chapel to continue services without interruption. On July 14, 1996, Zion Chapel returned home to their new church for their first service. On August 4, 1996, the new edifice was dedicated to God and His service.
In 2002 a new van and furniture were purchased. Associate Ministers included Kevin Gault, Tony Sorrells, Sr., Ronnie Gaskin, Eddie Tealer, Sr., Richard Washington and Antonio Green, Sr.; Junior Deacons were Drew Kelly, Terrance Taylor and Jermaine Cornell Washington; Deacons were Leon Nickerson, Loris Patterson, Livie Gault, Otis Shaw, Desmond Slaughter, Willie Shaw, Vinnie Evans and Robert McDonald; Secretary/Clerks were Lorene Henderson, Sheila Sorrells, Linda McFarlin and Maretta Griffin. In March 2003, Pastor Taylor retired after 13 years. The church was again without a Pastor.
In August 2003, Reverend Antonio L. Green, Sr., was called to lead the church as Pastor to carry on the rich tradition and history of the church. He was married to Eugenia “Gina” Green. Pastor Green’s ministry was based on loving one another and the church operating as a family. His vision for the church was to restore the spiritual lives of the members, growth in knowledge of God’s word and build the faith in God through action. During his administration he was blessed with two new sons, Reverends Vinnie Evans and Desmond Slaughter, in the ministry.
In 2007, Pastor Green instituted the “Pillow of Strength” as a way of honoring those who serve or served the church making notable contributions and “Super Seniors”. Pastor Green led the charge to get members of the congregation to sponsor pews. Members who answered the charge were: The Spaights Family, Pastor and First Lady Green, Sister Otis Mae Washington and Family, the Tealer and Tanksley Family, Deacon G. Moore and Family, Sister Nina Zachary with Reverend V. Evans and Families, Sister Helen Rance and Family, Sister Annie Bland and Family, Brother and Sister Jesse Martin with Reverend Ray Martin and Sister Ray Nell Pearson, The Spells Family, The Turner Family, Brother J.R. and Sister Connie Owens for Sister Andrew Jackson and Deacon Loris D. Patterson, Deacon Livie Gault and Family, Deacon and Sister Leon Nickerson and Sister Gladys Hubbard. Associate Ministers included Reverends Spaight, Eddie Tealer, Sr., Vinnie Evans, Larkin Pitts, Ronnie Gaskin, G. Wright and Desmond Slaughter; Deacons included J.T. McFarlin, G. Moore, Jimmy Brockington, Livie Gault, Leon Nickerson, Nelson Alexander, Willie Shaw and Otis Shaw. Board of Trustees included Willie Shaw, Leslie Hill, Morris Armstorng, Girleen Butler and Nina Zachary, later, Morris Armstorng, Eric Wright, Dee Dee Washington, Mary Spells, Fannie Mitchell, Nina Zachary and Girleen Butler. Pastor Green resigned in June 2009. The church went into prayer for a new Sheppard.
On June 15, 2011, Reverend Johnny R. Spence began his ministerial journey with Zion Chapel. He was installed as Pastor July 27, 2011. Associate Ministers include Vinnie Evans, Eddie Tealer, Sr., Ronnie Gaskin, Desmond Slaughter and Larkin Pitts; Deacons include Nelson Alexander, Jimmy Brockington, Leon Nickerson and G. Moore; Board of Trustees members include Dee Dee Washington, Nina Zachary, Fannie Mitchell, Girleen Butler and Morris Armstrong.
To God Be The Glory!