Mt Zion #3 Missionary Baptist Church

ABOUT THE CHURCH 

MT. ZION #3 MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 

Little is known about the beginning days of the Mt. Zion #3 

Missionary Baptist Church, as many records were lost through 

leadership transition and poor record keeping. 
 

However, Mt. Zion #3 was believed to have been established 

as an outgrowth from more established churches in the 

surrounding areas, such as the Flat Rock Missionary Baptist 

Church of Tallassee, Alabama, and churches in Eclectic, 

Alabama. With a sizeable population in the Claude area of 

Eclectic at that time, there appeared to have been a need 

for a church in the area.  From limited records, the church 

appears to officially have been organized by 1900. The Rev. 

E.G. Simpson was the first known pastor and served for many 

years. 

In June of 1926, Mr. Luke Lewis Paschal, who was born in 

1889 and was said to have joined Mt. Zion #3 at an early 

age, and his first wife, Hagar Paschal, sold for $40 two 

acres of land for a formal church seat and cemetery. The 

deeds giving Mt. Zion full ownership of the land were 

recorded in June of 1927. The current church edifice and 

cemetery still sit on this land. 

During its more than 100-year history, Mt. Zion has endured 

many tests against it and through God's loving abundance has 

be
mercy. 
The church as had several pastors throughout its history. To 
name a few, Rev. D.E. Robinson, Rev. W.C. Hardnett, Rev. 
J.C. Cottrell, Rev. Willie J. Price, Rev. Oscar L. Brown, 
Rev. Elijah Thomas, Rev. James D. Oliver, and the 
 
current pastor, Rev. JaCorey D. Calloway. 
Rev. Robinson and Rev. Hardnett, who both led the church 
during the 1950s and 1960s, were strong men in stature and 
spirituality. They were known for their outstanding, 
soul-stirring messages. 
Rev. Cottrell, who came in the 1970s, was key in helping to 
build a new church structure. Under his leadership, members 
held fund-raisers and made many donations to build the new 
structure. During his tenure, a building was erected, but 
was never fully completed by the end of his pastorate. 
Rev. Price continued the building process during his short 
tenure at Mt. Zion. He was followed by Rev. Brown, who along 
with his wife, were powerhouses in the spirit. Rev. Brown 
preached and sang with vigor. During that time, the worship 
services were "high spirited." 
When Rev. Brown left the area, the church had to search for 
another pastor. Rev. Elijah Thomas had been serving as a 
"semi-assistant" to Rev. Brown, and was called to fill in as 
pastor. He officially was installed in late 1980. Rev. 
Thomas provided a comforting feel and steady leadership to 
the church for over 28 years. During his tenure, the 
membership declined considerably due to the death of many of 
the long-time members and the relocation of others. Still, 
Rev. Thomas pledged to get the church rebuilt. After many 
setbacks with contractors and poor workmanship, the current 
structure was completed in 2007. A year later, Rev. Thomas 
died. 
The death of Rev. Thomas brought about the uncertainty of 
the future of Mt. Zion #3. A few of the remaining members 
met with the Rev. Clifford Thomas, moderator of the 
Elmore-Rehobeth District, regarding the direction and 
prospects of maintaining a viable church. After much 
deliberation, God's infinite hand shown once again and He 
sent Rev. James D. Oliver as the shepherd of Mt. Zion. 
Installed in August of 2008, Pastor Oliver has reinvigorated 
the worship experience, as well as continued to improve the 
church building and grounds. He has instituted weeknight 
Bible study and Sunday School, and restarted the church 
choir and usher board. In regards to the buildings and 
grounds, under his short leadership, he has had air 
conditioning installed, improved the kitchen and pastor 
study facilities, and installed signs identifying the church 
building. Pastor Oliver started working on projects that will 
 
enhance church life and increase membership.
Upon the installation of our current Pastor on April 21, 2013 
 
Rev. Jacorey D. Calloway will continue working on the expansion 
 
of the church. The goal of expansion in church membership and 
 
expansion of the building project. 
 
Throughout its history, Mt. Zion #3 has been a home away 
from home for many persons in Elmore County, the 
Elmore-Rehobeth District, and surrounding Districts. Even 
churches of various denominations have unselfishly supported 
the mission and programs of the church. The church continues 
to be a member of the Elmore-Rehobeth District and the 
National Baptist Convention USA, Incen able to stand as a testament to the power of God's 
 

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