New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
515 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard
Mount Bethel Baptist Church was founded in 1885 in Waycross, a Black community on the city’s south side. Due to the rapidly growing Black population expanding to the north side of the city, many members had to walk across town to attend service. In 1898, the congregation established New Mount Zion as a sister church in Midway to provide a church closer to this population.
Church members first met in an enclosed portion of a sawmill. Under the leadership of their first minister, Reverend Walter Jones, a small structure resembling a house was soon erected. After a fire heavily damaged this structure, a new building was completed in 1910. Continued growth and prosperity led to the construction of the current building during the 1940s under the leadership of Reverend George O. Sumner. A distinguishing characteristic of the church edifice is the numerous ornate stained glass windows.
Timeline
1885 - Mount Bethel Baptist Church was founded
1898 - Mount Zion Organized for Midway Residents
1910 - New Building Constructed after original structure damaged
1940s - Current Building Constructed