History of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church Red Bank, NJ
The history of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has been passed down through many generations. Information about Mt. Zions history was provided by the Riley family, descendents of Morris Riley as well from the memoirs of Mr. J. C. Taylor, a dedicated member who faithfully preserved and cherished memorable events, along with several supporting documents and photographs, the Historical Committee has been able to put together the history of this great church. For many years, Mr. Taylor had presented this history annually from memory in an exciting and unique way, enabling all those hearing it to visualize those great pioneers of Zion, who left this everlasting legacy as monument of their faith and dedication to God.
Recorded documents and church records indicates that sometime in 1840, a group of Negroes under the leadership of Reverend Noah Brooks held prayer meetings and outdoor camp meetings in an almost exclusive Black community, which for many years was called Little Africa or Negro Hill by residents of Eatontown, until the winter of 1845. At this time, under the influence of Reverend Dempsey Kennedy, this group decided to organize itself into a church society. Application was made to the State Legislature in Trenton and the group was instructed to make a Bond (public notice) 10 days prior to the time of organization. On February 19, 1845, corporation papers were filed by Misters: Morris Riley, David Richardson, John Sylvester, Charles Brown, Charles Robinson and William Von Cleaf.
During this year (1845), the church edifice was built on land donated by Mr. Morris Riley, who was also instrumental in erecting the church. The building was built out of timber taken from the farm Mr. Edmond Fields and were hauled to this site by a team of oxen owned by Mr. Isaac (Nick) Richardson, a pit was dug and the timber raised by hand. A Carpenter by the name of Isaac T. Lane was hired at a cost of $15.00 and while the men worked building the church, the women cooked delicious meals. On May 19, 1846 they received the deed to the church but it was not recorded in county records until February 8, 1849.
In the interim between 1849 and 1864, several events took place such as church organization, fund raising, and ect… In the year of 1864, additional land was donated to the church by Mrs. Mary Richardson.
From 1868 to 1870, the church grew spiritually and numerically under the leadership of Reverend Dempsey Kennedy. Reverend Kennedy was a spiritual pastor whose revivals were instrumental in the churchs growth.
On July 2, 1874, at the first Session of the New Jersey Annual Conference held in Red Bank, New Jersey, the Right Reverend J. J. Clinton, Presiding Bishop, made Mt. Zion one of the eleven appointments given.
Reverend Charles M. Morrison was the first pastor recorded to be appointed to this church.
In 1885, under the pastorate of Reverend E. H. Hammett, a choir was formed and an extension and alcove was added to the church. Under the pastorate of Reverend E. M. Stanton, pastured from 1886 to 1887, the bell tower was built.
Reverend Ciphas Oliver, who pastured from 1894 to 1896 held several revivals out of which many souls were saved, several who was out of state. In the fall of 1895, the church held a double celebration the churchs 50th anniversary and the 50th Golden wedding anniversary of Charles and Maria Richardson, the first married in the new church. It was a joyful time for all, for God blessed both the church and the Richardsons, who renewed their vows. The choir, under Reverend Oliver, won a communion set as a prize when they competed in a singing competition.
On March 23, 1899, Mr. and Mrs. James Steen conveyed by deed the homestead of Morris Riley, a Charted Trustee, the house and land on which the parsonage now stands.
From 1902 to 1908, the Reverend E. M. Stanton returned for his second appointment as pastor. Reverend Stanton was Presiding Elder at the time. During his administration, cathedral windows were installed, the parsonage was re-shingled, and other improvements made.
From 1908 to 1910, the Reverend J. H. Hudgins was assigned as pastor. Through his leadership, the Sunday Church School, Womens Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and Daughters of Conference were organized. With the help of his wife, Reverend Hudgins raised monies to pay off debt for a new roof, and paid the first annual installment of $200.00 on the church mortgage and $100.00 on the next year. This was continued by each succeeding pastor until the mortgage was paid off.
Reverend J. R. Sargeant, who pastored from 1911 to 1913 and November 26, 1911, following more than a year trying a patented plant was installed which guaranteed gas from gasoline or gas and compressed air. After several years of use, it was deleted because no one was able to refuel it. In 1912, Reverend Sargeant and the members decided to raise the church to build a basement under it, but the Reverend Sargeant was transferred before the task could begin.
However, during the pastorate of Reverend W. Rhodes, from 1913 to 1916, the raising of the church began by the community in general. Many of those in the community came out to help. The raising was done by hand and many of the older church members pitched and shoveled. The kitchen was added, carpet was laid, the altar decorated, and the building was painted inside and out. The Sunday Church School was started in 1914 with Mr. Thomas Riley, a stern but devoted Christian, serving as Superintendent. There were 96 scholars in the Sunday School with an average attendance of 75.
From 1918 to 1919, Reverend Walters was the pastor and during this time the patent lights were replaced with electricity.
In 1919 Reverend J. E. Stanton returned to pastor until 1922. The mortgage on the basement was off and burned.
The Reverend C. C. Alleyne pastored from 1922 to 1926 and new pews were bought at a cost of $ 900.00. The Senior Choir was robed and a Junior Choir was the first robed Junior Choir in the A.M.E. Zion Conference. The inside stairs going down to the basement was built this time by Mr. Charles Albert free of charge and the former pastor Reverend W. R. Jackson of Asbury Park repainted and decorated the church.
In 1926, Reverend W. L. Ely was assigned as pastor but he became ill early in 1927. His wife and daughter carried on until his passing. The general depression was keenly felt but with great effort and Gods help, the church carried on.
Under the pastorate of Reverend Wakefield, from 1930 to 1934, the annex was added which was built with blocks that were donated by the public. The majority of mason work was done by Mr. Andrew Taylor and painting by Mr. John Smith, under the supervision of the Taylor brothers. This work was done at no cost to the church.
From 1936-1939 the church was having a difficult time financially and was unable to meet the pastors salary by an agreement was made with the pastor, Reverend William Murphy, and the church continued to struggle to meet its obligations. Through the personal effort of Reverend Murphy to raise monies, it began to prosper. The Usher Board was organized with Mrs. Harriet Reevey as President who served faithfully for many years until her death. The Community Building was obtained by the Trustees and used to hold meetings, social gatherings, and sell Harvest Home Dinners. In later years, this building was sold. New globe lights were presented to the church by the Francis Family in memory of their father and the windows in the choir loft was donated in memory of Sister Sara Taylor by her husband and son, Kenneth.
The organ was purchased and installed in 1939 and the ceiling and choir loft was raised while Reverend Brown was pastor.
In 1940, under Reverend Riggs, the Starlight Club was formed and windows were installed in the choir loft courtesy of Mr. William Taylor.
In 1941 – 1942 under the administration of Reverend Frazier, the basement floor was re-laid, sponsored by the Stewardess Boards number One and Two.
The Baptism Fount was donated on August 5, 1964 and consecrated on October 25, 1964 to the memory of Mr. Charles Riley.
During the Pastorage of Reverend Charles Marshall, 1991 to 1995, the pastors study was built in the basement.
In 2002 Reverend C. Rozier with the help of Brother William Phillips, new floor coverings were installed, the church was painted, and new Pews were put in and new tables were brought.
Under the Pastorate of Reverend Benjamin A. Evans, Sr., in 2006 a new roof was put on the entry way leading to the downstairs basement by Brother William Phillips, with the help of Brother Larry Davis and Reverend Benjamin Evans, Sr. the church was painted with a fresh coat of paint. In 2007 the Sr. Ministry had the kitchen and the entry way painted. The Pastors office was painted, new carpet and new ceiling was installed.
In 2008 a piano was donated to the church by Sister Carrie Haynes, a resident of Neptune NJ. The front steps of the church was repaired and painted. We thank God for Brother William Phillips, who took the time to repaired and paint the ceiling of the vestibule. Also the back room of the church was painted and new carpet was installed to make a class room for the Sunday school. In 2009 Mt. Zion is still growing strong in the Lord. Two new ministries have been added, the Sister Circle ministry and the Food Pantry ministry. Lets us talk about the Sister Circle, the Sister Circle is a support group of women who come together to support one another. They meet once a month outside the church so that they can invite other women to come and fellowship one with another. These sisters are able to talk to the younger sisters about life situation helping the young women to understand that some of them have been through some of the things they are or maybe going through right now in life. It is also a blessing that they go and take trips to enhance the ministry.
The Food Pantry ministry was started to help those who are less fortune. We give out cans of food to those who are in need at the time. We have just started, so we are looking into ways this ministry can move to the next level of helping the community in large that are in need. We have also been blessed to be able to give out clothes to the community. It is a blessing to be able to help those in need.
The church basement was painted and new blinds were put up to enhance the look of the church. In 2010 more changes have been made both the Mens and Womens bathroom have be renovated with new toilets, sinks, tiled floors and walls by Ophy Flemmings and Brother William Phillips; New carpet has been laid in the vestibule by Reverend Evans and Brother Alfred Griffin; Choir loft a new ceiling has been put in and new lights were installed by Reverend Joseph Calhoun and the pews have been replaced with more comfortable chairs which was donated by the members in memory of their loves and a plaque was put up with their loves names on it; and the organ pipes have been painted by Reverend Evans and Brother Shelton-Umar Weatherbe; New sewer pipes have been installed by Theodore Stewart; New kitchen sink with cabinet was installed by Brother William Phillips and his wife DeRethy Phillips. Mt. Zion is growing and the people of God are praising God to the highest thanks to the leadership of Reverend Evans, we are moving forward to make Mt Zion the church that God would have it to be. We thank God for Reverend Evans and his wife Sister Kim, for just being a blessing to Mt. Zion.
Noteworthy Events
In 1914 Mr. Thomas Riley became superintendant of the Sunday School. He held that position for several years. He was a stern but truly devoted Christian who loved his work. In 1921 the Sunday School had 96 scholars and average 75 attendance.
The exact date of the Harvest Home dinners started is unknown but for many years it has been and still held on the 3rd Thursday in October. The ladies would collect food and fresh vegetables from the farmers, who donated willingly and they were thankful for a good harvest. People would come from many churches and the community. They all came to get the fried chicken and homemade pies, which was the specialty of our church and for the price of $ 1.50. It would be like a family gathering and so much love was shown. In recent years, there are still big crowds. When they come to Mt. Zion, they know that they would get a good home cooked meal and plenty of it and they always look forward in coming back the next year. There was a time when we sold Apple Dumplings from house to house and held lawn social to raise money to meet our assessments and to help pay for the pews and it would be crowded. Everyone was willing to help out or to come.
Every quarter, a Quarterly Love Feast was held in the morning. This was the breaking of bread and drinking water and shaking hands while singing old Zion hymns. In the afternoon, quarterly meetings were held and many ministers and their congregation and choirs came and the church was full. It really was an inspiring time. More like a revival. The spirit was there, they sang and prayed and praised the Lord from the depths of their hearts.
According to old records, in 1947 under the direction of Sister Bernice Spruill, the wife of Reverend John Spruill, a Willing Workers Club was organize. Mrs Spruill was the first President by moved when her husband was transferred. The Willing Workers Club was re-organized in 1916. Sisters: Christine Reevey (President) , Viola Terry (Secretary) and Mary Truman (Treasurer) They functioned for many years. Sister Mildred Burrows was elected as President in 1972, under the leadership of Reverend Fountain and they had celebrated their 25th anniversary. The club did many things for the church especially furnishing the kitchen, paneling the church, the brought the front door and helping where ever needed financially.
Although there were many ministers, Reverend J.B. Kirby served the longest 16 years. Reverend K.J. Reevey, who was brought up in Mt. Zion, served twice.
The basement was paneled by the Steward Board. In1973, Reverend K.J. Reevey the winter scene of A.M.E. Zion was painted by an artist named Jesse Crawford of Long Branch, NJ (which is now displayed in the vestibule). Present to the church by members of the Eatontown Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the 128th Anniversary celebration. Two vases were donated by Brother Larnyer Montgomery and his wife Louise Reverend Leon Randall dedicated. Brother Montgomery carried the church on many occasions, when we were without a minister. Sister Lilly Jones and friends donated hymnals in May 1980 and Sister Ann Terry donated two chairs. Collection plates were donated by Sister Lottie Riley and Reverend Dewitt Mathis dedicated them.
On June 12, 1983, was observed as Bobby Richardsons Day in honor of Bobby who was Trustee, Secretary of the Quarterly conference and a very faithful member for many years. Sponsored by Sister Lottie Riley for Building Fund. Special guest were 7 members of the Community Gospel singer a group Bobby was a member for many years, members of his family, his sisters Helen Quarles and Cassie Rocks family. In July 1983, the basement was carpeted by the Sunday School with the help of the members.
We have many organizations and many faithful members who have given much time and effort and played a significant part in keeping the doors of the church open. God Bless them all and may they continue to lift up God and Zion and keep the faith. Surely, We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord and together we stand at lifes crossroad and view what we this is the end but God has a much bigger vision and tells us its only a bend. So rest, relax and grow stronger. Let go and let God share your load; your work is not finished or ended, you’ve just come to a bend in the road
The Church has had 61 appointments during its 165 years of existence
