About Us
Church History
In 1960 under the leadership of Pastor C. D. Henry, then the pastor for Mt. Sinai S.D.A church, six laymen were empowered to the task of passing out tracts and giving bible studies in the city of Kissimmee. These men devoted the next 3years bringing light to the area. The following men undertook the call; Jimmy Sankey, L.C. Casey, Edward Sparks, Bryant Tinsley, Roosevelt Woolfork and Ruben Simmons.
It was 1966 when the efforts of these laymen came to fruition. Six years of preparing for the ultimate clincher. A crusade was held, the speaker C. D Henry. It lasted for 4 weeks. Nightly meetings (except for Saturday) were held with topics ranging from “ The Origin of the races” black, white, red and yellow”, “Where did they come from?” to “ Who did it? The Father, the son or the Holy Ghost?” Nine souls surrendered to the call, accepted the message, and were baptized. These precious souls were V Phillips, Ruby Owens, Cora Truesdale, Doris Smith, Ruby Nell Owens, D. Phillips, Linda Phillips and Louise Owens.
For the next 3 years this work met with some difficulty. By 1969 the trail became cold. It would not be until 1974 when these laymen attempted to warm- up the cold trail with vigor and vitality. A command was given as these men of God accepted the challenge, rallied together to bring once again “light to a dark City”. February ’74 they began with Bible studies and by March they were able to rent Friendship Freewill Baptist Church. The intent was to bring about more cohesiveness to the Lay Effort. Prayer meeting and Sunday night services were added at that time. With the additional services the lay Effort again proved to be fruitful as 6 more were baptized.
A Business meeting was held on September 8, 1974, a decision was made to start a church. Yes, as these Lay Evangelist worked, the Holy Spirit was able to perform miracles that transformed the lives of both the laymen and the members.
By July 5, 1975 the first Sabbath day services was held. The church was then known as ”The Kissimmee S.D. A Church”. The church was now growing by leaps and bounds. The Lay Effort continued as pastors were changing ranks, Pastor Ralph Franklin was now on the scene.
On January of 1979 the Kissimmee church purchased two acres of land, on which we dwell presently, at a cost of $11,600.00.That same year on November 18,1979, under the leadership of District Pastor O. H Paul, the Kissimmee Church with its 35 members was officially organized in the South Atlantic Conference. It was the 119th church added to this conference. Pastor Paul recognized Elder L. C Casey, and his assistants as the fire behind the force that brought this layman’s project to completion.
On February 16, the church was dedicated bearing a new name The Mt. Zion Seventh-Day- Adventist church. Pastor Cleveland Mair was then the first official pastor. Many good men of God would continue the work in this part of the vineyard. Since the groundwork had been laid, the membership growing, a quest to continue the work was now the challenge. The following men entered” the hall of fame “ of Mt. Zion S. D. A Church. Pastor R .C Parham, who served two separate times as pastor, the late Pastor Robert Patterson, Pastor Eddie Hall, Pastor O. L Groce, Pastor Tony A. Taylor and presently Pastor Maxwell T. Berkel.
Mt. Zion has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In these halls still linger the elite who continue to proclaim the word of God. Mt. Zion has given birth to "The Poinciana S.D.A church" its 1st offspring. Membership has grown to 225 precious souls. Diverse cultures have nestled in its harbor and the dream to carry this message is still the burden of today. We have a rich heritage here at Mt. Zion; this should be nurtured and cultivated. The awesome responsibility to finish the work that was started so long ago is a challenge.
Let us answer the call. For our goal reflects our mission, which is Zion on the march………Heaven bound!!!! To God be the Glory great things He had done.