History of Mt. Zion
In 1870, the community of Dunmeyer was established. The community received its name from its first citizen, Joseph Dunmeyer. The third citizen of the community was Adonis Dezelle. Adonis Dezelle informed the people about land that was available for sale, and many came out to purchase it.
Adonis Dezelle had a large grapevine, and it was revealed to him by God to build a grape harbor. This vision became the inspiration and purpose for building the harbor.
In 1888, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was built with the help of the Lord. The first pastor of Mt. Zion was Reverend Anthony Alston. Pastor Anthony Alston and Deacon Adonis Dezelle welcomed many new members, and many souls were saved at Mt. Zion. Several members came from Morris Street Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Deacon Adonis Dezelle’s wife became the Mother of the Church. Her name was Mrs. Phyllis Dezelle.
Mt. Zion began as a small wooden church that was heated by a stove and lit by lamps. During this time, Reverend A.M. Faulks pastored the church for a period. Later, the late Reverend Lewis H. Simmons served as pastor. During Reverend Simmons’ tenure, an addition was made to the church. After some time, Reverend Simmons departed and Reverend Charles Bolgers was called to pastor for a period.
Later, Reverend A.M. Faulks was called back to serve a second time. During the 1960s, the second Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church building was rebuilt but was later destroyed by fire. Philadelphia Baptist Church, along with its pastor and members, opened their doors to Mt. Zion so that the congregation could continue to worship while rebuilding.
Afterward, the third Mt. Zion church building was constructed. Reverend Faulks continued to serve faithfully until his passing in 1969.
In 1969, after the passing of Reverend A.M. Faulks, Reverend Eddie Salley, Sr. was called to pastor the church, and Reverend Leon Salley served as the Assistant Pastor. During Reverend Eddie Salley Sr.’s tenure, Mt. Zion lost several faithful members who were called home to glory: Deacon Henry Dezelle, Sister Marie Dezelle, Brother A. Brown, Sister Della Dezelle, and Sister Mary Martin.
Throughout the years, God continued to bless Mt. Zion with growth and improvements:
• In 1974, the church pews were purchased.
• In 1977, the dining area (Fellowship Hall) was added.
• In 1982, the Mother of the Church, Sister Mattie Salley, was called home to her heavenly reward.
On July 3, 1983, the church’s air conditioning system was purchased, paid for, and installed.
In January 1986, an addition was made to the church that included the Pastor’s Study and extended seating. In May of that same year, a mural was painted on the wall by Mr. Floyd Gordon. The gravesite area was also cleaned and improved with the assistance of Deacon W.E. Carpenter, Reverend Leon Salley, Deacon A. Dezelle, and others.
In July 1987, stones were placed in front of the building, and in July 1988 a new roof was installed.
In 1992, Reverend Leon Salley was installed as pastor, and many children were dedicated back to God during this time. Additionally, a new air conditioning and heating system and a new steeple were installed.
In 1995, God called two of Mt. Zion’s faithful members home to glory: Sister Sara Bell Jones and Sister Sara Carpenter. In August of 1995, land was purchased to extend the church graveyard and parking area.
In March 1996, an alarm system was installed. The Missionary Ministry purchased table cloths and a communion table set. The men’s and women’s restrooms were remodeled and made accessible for individuals with disabilities. The additional property purchased by Mt. Zion was also paid off during this time.
Several items were purchased for the church, including a computer and copier. The sanctuary doors were reversed by the church brothers, and a new roof was installed by Carpenter and Sons.
During this time of progress, Mt. Zion also experienced the loss of several beloved members who were called to their heavenly reward: Sister Marylee Newton, Mother Rosalee Perry, Sister Anna Louise Sellers, and Sister Rosamae Deweese.
In 2004, new air handlers were installed by Mr. Wilden Lambright.
In August 2005, Mrs. Cecelia Simons, Mrs. Rebecca Cuttino, and Mrs. Lillian Carpenter were called to their heavenly reward.
In 2006, Mr. Elijah Carpenter was called home.
In 2007, the church porch was elevated with concrete, and a handicap ramp and railings were installed along with designated handicap parking. Deacon Carpenter, church brothers, and Melvin Singleton contributed to these improvements. A bench was also donated to the church by Mrs. Odena Allen in memory of her husband, Lee L. Allen.
During this time, blueprints were revised for an expansion project that added to the rear of the church. The new addition included:
• A fellowship hall
• Kitchen
• Pastor’s Study
• Upstairs classroom
• Robe room
• Choir stand
• Baptismal pool
New carpet was installed in the choir area, new tile flooring was installed, and hardwood flooring was added to the fellowship hall.
In 2009, Mt. Zion dedicated the new addition.
In 2011, an air conditioning unit was installed in the rear of the church by Mr. Eric Sellers Jr.
In 2013, new carpet and flooring repairs were completed in the sanctuary.
In 2023, Mt. Zion voted to adopt a church Constitution and By-Laws, Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Motto, created by Reverend Leon Salley. This marked the first time these governing documents were formally established.
Reverend Leon Salley retired in 2023 after faithfully serving as pastor for 32 years.
In May 2024, Mt. Zion voted in Dr. Travis Holmes as the new Pastor.
Dr. Travis Holmes was officially installed as Pastor in September 2024.
Following this transition, a Church Council was formed and implemented. Mt. Zion began working together as the body of Christ, where decisions are discussed and made collectively as a team.
In April 2025, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was officially chartered as a church in the State of South Carolina.
The church has also completed several new initiatives, including:
• Renovating the church ceiling (with additional restroom improvements underway)
• Combining choirs and implementing a Praise & Worship Ministry
• Developing a Facebook page
• Implementing financial processes and systems to strengthen the finance committee
• Beginning the development of a church website
• Working toward additional goals established by the Church Council and congregation
In September 2025, the church will begin a community Spiritual and Physical Fitness program called “Empower U.”
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church continues Charting a New Direction under the leadership of Dr. Travis Holmes and the entire Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church family.
