Springfield church celebrates 140th anniversary

A Springfield church that’s been around for 140 years will mark that anniversary with a celebration on Sunday.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church is referred to by members as one of the city’s largest and most influential African American churches.

TRENDING: Teenage girl reports rape at Springfield pool

The church, located at 1171 S. Yellow Springs St., Springfield, will hold a service beginning at 11 a.m. featuring guest speaker Rev. Milton Dean Sr., senior pastor of Eden Baptist Church in Waverly, the oldest African American church in Ohio.

Mt. Zion is also preparing to undergo renovations this summer, which will be entirely funded by membership donations, according to church publicity chairperson Charlesine Murph.

The church was founded under the name Third Baptist Church and was originally located on Dibert Avenue, according to information Murph said was compiled by a now-deceased church member.

RELATED:    Hundreds of turkeys donated to Springfield families in need

In 1921, a new church was constructed on Yellow Springs Street, according to Murph. About 150 people marched from the Third Baptist Church to the new building, renamed the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, singing “We Are Marching To Zion,” Murph said.

In 1945, a new building was constructed on the same lot at Yellow Springs Street, where it has stood ever since, according to Murph.

“Mt. Zion has always been established as the most influential Baptist church in Springfield,” said Mt. Zion Senior Pastor Olie Burton, who has served since 2015.

At one point, about two-thirds of the African American population in Springfield belonged to the church, according to Burton.

Membership at Mt. Zion had fallen in recent years, according to Burton.

Upcoming renovations are expected to attract more members, Burton said.

“I hope members that left Mt. Zion will come join us in this celebration,” said Burton. “It’s going to be a glorious time.”

A dinner will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

About the Author