History

In the year 1883, a few true-believing Christian men and women saw the need for a place to worship. These believers organized a church. According to records it was first named Zion Chapel Baptist Church, located on Johnstown Road in the Great Bridge section of then Norfolk County.

The first pastor was Reverend Jacob Gaskins. After renting three years, the members guided by their faith, purchased the present site on December 29, 1886.

It is believed that the members felt that the connotation, Chapel, related to a small church. So as the membership grew, the name was changed to Little Zion Baptist Church in the early 1900s.

Founders

Some of the founders and officers were: Deacon Jesse Saunders, William Brooks, Casper Tillery, African Walke, and John Dozier. Later, others followed, Deacons A. B. Crudup, Johnnie Walke, Annias Reid, Moses Jarvis, Nathaniel Stancil, Jr., Early Ricks, Willie Sidney, James Brooks, James Lamb, I.W. Jarvis, and Isaiah Miller. These God-fearing men built upon the “Solid Rock,” and today we reap the harvest of their labors.

The following ministers have followed Reverend W.P. Jones, Reverend Mack Mahagony, Reverend Zachariah White, Reverend A.B. Askew, Reverend J.E. Mack, Reverend G.L. Parker, Reverend W.A. Baker, Reverend James E. Childs, Reverend J.P. Williams, Reverend S.D. Shepherd, Dr. William H. Chatman and our current pastor, Reverend Johnny Henderson.

Even though the building remained basically the same until the late 60’s some minor changes were: stained glass windows panes were installed, and the sidewalk was laid in front of the church. During those days, it was the duty of the men to keep the repairs of the church and the duty of the women to keep the church clean.

Our church was run on biblical principles, which caused it to survive through the years. It was just like one big family where everyone did what was necessary to keep it afloat. Little Zion has always been blessed with outstanding women who did their part in the church. Some of the older women were: Phyllis White, Missouri Clemons, Betsy White, Georgina Saunders, India Stancil, Mary Lisa Ballard, Carrie Jarvis, Ada Ricks, and Corrine Welch; Sister Corrine Welch.

Little Zion has been blessed with several associate ministers who have made unique contributions to this branch of Zion: Reverends Charlie Griffin, Albert Green, Ruth Pearson, Brenda Dyson, Sheldon Davis, Bobby Fenner, A. Earl Parker, Jan Wimbush, Trudy Dickens, Willie Gibbs and Marcia Carter. The late Reverend Charlie Griffin initiated the Jail Ministry and served as assistant to the Jail Chaplain.

Church membership continues to grow and this growth serves as an inspiration for new programs and services for the benefit of members and the community. Missionary has been added to the name of Little Zion Baptist Church and it is now Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

On May 1, 2005, God sent us Reverend William H. Chatman, to serve as our interim Pastor, he was installed as Pastor on July 9, 2006. The following projects have been completed under the pastorate of Pastor Chatman; the Senior’s Ministry, the Men’s and Women’s Fellowship Ministry was re-organized and the Youth and Deaconess Ministries were reconstructed.

History was made under Pastor Chatman’s leadership. The church started its first Summer Youth Camp and Family Fellowship Night.

In 2008, we purchased the land behind our church, an organ, a new church van, and a minibus to transport our Seniors. In May 2010, the pastor’s study was enlarged and completely renovated. In January 2011, we burned the mortgage on the land behind our church!

God continues to bless Little Zion in a mighty way. Minister Marcia Carter was ordained on May 27, 2016 and she is a valuable part of our Church Ministry.

Jeremiah 3:15 states, “I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. On September 26, 2020, Reverend Johnny Henderson was elected to serve as our Senior Pastor.

We thank God for sending Reverend Henderson to us and we’re excited to be fed under his pastorate. Over the years God has given us His grace, mercy and love, and we thank Him for bringing us this far by faith. We continue to lean and depend totally upon Him.

Mission Statement

To become a knowledge-based Christian Church, committed to fulfilling God’s divine purpose of reaching lost and dying souls and winning them for His kingdom.

To promote spiritual growth among the membership and all people in all areas of life, through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word as we are commanded in “Matthew 28:19-20”.

To assist the members in establishing strong spiritual relationships between all the members of the body of Christ.