About Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Leon Salley

Reverend Leon Salley was born in Lincolnville, South Carolina. He is one of thirteen siblings. His parents were the late Reverend Eddie Salley Sr. and Mattie Simmons-Salley. He is married to Dorothy Haynes-Salley, and from this union they have one child, Leshaunda Salley-Barren.

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Reverend Salley joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Augusta in 1956 under the leadership of Reverend Charles Bozier. In that same year, he began serving in ministry as a member of the choir and the usher board. Later, he became the Superintendent of Sunday School and also served as a Sunday School teacher. He was appointed to these roles at Mt. Zion by Reverend A.M. Faulks.

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Reverend Salley was also very active within his community and throughout the surrounding areas of Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties. From 1958 to 1991, he served as the lead singer for the Seven Stars Gospel Singers. From 1961 to 1971, he served faithfully as a Deacon at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

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In March 1971, Reverend Salley accepted his call to the ministry and was licensed to preach. Later that year, in October 1971, he was ordained into the ministry by the Old Ashley Missionary Baptist Association. Over the years, he served in many capacities of ministry at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

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On April 4, 1992, Reverend Leon Salley was installed as Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church by the Old Ashley Missionary Baptist Association. During his years of service, he also served on the Old Ashley Missionary Baptist Association Executive Board from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, he served as Superintendent of Sunday School, Teacher, and Minister for the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Union from 1993 until 2024, when the Union was dissolved.

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Reverend Leon Salley has retired twice in his lifetime. He retired from the South Carolina Ports Authority in Charleston after 38 years of service. He also retired from pastoring Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church after faithfully serving as Pastor for 31 years.

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Today, at 90 years young, Reverend Salley remains very active in teaching, preaching, and offering guidance and wisdom to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church as it continues to move forward under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Travis Holmes.