Our History

Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church History

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 1922-1936, 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 $4000.00. Deacons were Adam Reese, Sr., Joe Callins, Jim Tealer, Tom Henderson, Robert Scott, Daniel Zachary, Andrew Hubbard, George Winn, Sr. and George Mays. Charter members included Ellen Hasting, Jennie Bell McNeill, Eliza Davis George and Mrs. Wade. Some other know members were Martha Green, Mattie Wood, Ennie Green, Mildred Hampton, and La’ Trail Haminton. The Musicians were: J.B. McNeil, Mrs. Meriwether, Lula Scott, Clora Scott, M.M. Davis and Maud Davis. Zion 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 the late Mollie Smith and later to Oma Smith. Under his leadership, the baptismal pool was added, the fellowship hall was constructed, an organ, new pews, and carpet were purchased and an acquisition for 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 Waylon McLamb. Appointed Trustees during Pastor Smith’s administration included: Morris Armstrong and Tony Sorrell’s, Jr. Associated Ministers were Reverends: Willie Gentry and Ernest Young. The 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, 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 & 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, Vennie Evans and Robert McDonald; Secretary/Clerks were Lorene Henderson, Sheila Sorrells, Linda Mc Farlin and Marita 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 bless with two new sons, Reverends: Vennie 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 Spaight’s Family, Pastor & First Lady Green, Sister Otis Mae Washington & Family, the Tealer & Tanksley Family, Deacon George Moore & Family, Sister Nina Zachary with Reverend Vennie Evans & 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. & Sister Connie Owens for Sister Andrew Jackson & Deacon Loris D. Patterson, Deacon Livie Gault & Family, Deacon & Sister Leon Nickerson & Sister Gladys Hubbard. Associate Ministers included Reverends: Amos Spaight, Eddie Tealer, Sr., Vennie Evans, Larkin Pitts, Ronnie Gaskin, G. Wright & Desmond Slaughter. Minister Marin united with the Church. Deacons included: J.T. Mc Farlin-Chair, George Moore, Jimmy Brockington, Livie Gault, Leon Nickerson, Willie Shaw & Otis Shaw. Later Nelson Alexander-Chair; Board of Trustees included Willie Shaw, Leslie Hill, Morris Armstrong, Girlean Butler & Nina Zachary. Later: Morris Armstrong, Eric Wright, Delores Washington-Chair, Mary Spells, Fannie Mitchell, Nina Zachary & Girlean Butler. Pastor Green resigned in June 2009. The church went into prayer for a new Shepherd.
In December 2010, while being prayerful, determined and faithful to God and still in search for a Shepherd, the family of Zion paid the final mortgage note on the church.

On June 15, 2011, Reverend Johnny R. Spence began his ministerial journey with Zion Chapel. He was installed as Pastor on July 24, 2011. He is married to Carol Spence. Associate Ministers included Vennie Evans, Eddie Tealer, Sr., Ronnie Gaskin, Desmond Slaughter and Larkin Pitts; Deacons included Nelson Alexander-Chair, Jimmy Brockington, Leon Nickerson and George Moore; Board of Trustees members included: Delores Washington-Chair, Nina Zachary, Fannie Mitchell, Girlean Butler & Morris Armstrong. Pastor Spence came to Zion with a vision from God and a willingness to work. A part-time secretary was hired (Janie M. Alexander). New computers were purchased for the finance, secretary and Pastor’s offices; new carpet was purchased; corner lot at Walnut (MLK) & Minden was purchased.

A chain link fence was installed at corner lot at (Walnut & Talbot); Purchased and installed Privacy Fence at rear entry of church for beautification; Repainted exterior of church; Media room improvement; Added five new Trustees: Deacons Nelson Alexander, Desmond Slaughter, Brother Shirley Spells, Minister Eddie Tealer, Sr., & Brother David Wright. Under Pastor Spence, (10) have given their lives to Christ through baptism.

In December 2012, while being prayerful, determined and faithful to God and still in search for a Shephard, the family of Zion paid the final mortgage not on the church.

In 2012-2014– Under Pastor’s Spence’s stewardship, Acts 2:47King James Version (KJV)4 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. In 2014-2015: Ministers Shawn Daniels and Marcus Rice, new Deacon was added, O.D. Thompson, along with trustees David Wright-Chair, Deacon OD. Thompson, Denise Zachary, Vanessa Daniels and Shirley Spells. A computer lab was added to the church and for the community. A new van and a keyboard was added to the church and music department. Under Pastor Spence (2) have given their lives to Christ through baptism. In 2015-2016: Young Adult Minister was added to the church, and a woman praise team. The food pantry and clothes pantry were added to the church. The men’s bathroom was remodeled. The two parking lots were restriped etc. Under Pastor Spence Alona Thompson, Aliyana Chavis, Shirley Spells, Kacie Mayberry, Malik Hosey, and Savannah Martinez have given their lives to Christ Through baptism. Under Pastor’s Spence’s stewardship Minister Vennie Evans & Brother Shirley were ordained. By statement Walter & Betty Maxwell, Michael Braggs, Arthur Spence, Lashell Spence, Kendra Spence, Nathaniel Spence, Edyie Wilkins, Curtis Rollins, Beverly Dillard and Gerberta Ransom was added to the church.

2016-2017: New Members added are DeShawn, Henderson, Donald & Bernice Seamster, Josiah & Ranelle Alberts and Rhondel Williams. The Central Texas Food Bank Fresh Food for Families was added. A new Central Air unit was installed.
In 2017-2018: New Members added are Carnell Alberts and Tyshun Robinson. A new Security System was installed, and the women bathroom was remolded. In 2018-2019: New Members added are April Dembo, Jackie Hood, Demetria Overmyer, Robert Smith II Karen Smith, Robert Smith III (Trey), Remington Smith & The Williams Family. In 2019-2021: New Members added are Raymond Rippenkroeger, Tanya Rippenkroeger, Marjorie Limbrick, Damion Griffin, Honesty Harris, Terrell Jackson, Catherine Johnson, Anna McCradic, Milton Guyton. In 2021-2025: Since then, Pastor Spence has added 2 Deacons – Deacon John Taylor/Spouse, Beulah, Deacon Elmer Phoenix/Spouse, Lisa, ; New Members: Bro. Lee Walton & Sis. Evelyn Daniels, Sis. Lucy DeShay (Under Watch Care) and Baptized – Sis. Demitrius Jones. In 2025-2026: New members: Deacon Roderick Wesley/Spouse Diana, Sis. Katherine Stewart. The church Food Pantry’s demand has expanded requiring the purchase of a large upright freezer to accommodate the abundant food items from the Central Texas Food Bank. We have also started our S.T.E.P. Phase Plan to expand the Ministry needs.

Serving under Pastor Spence…an opportunity opened up. We believe that the adherence to the word of God will literally change lives!