In Fort Lauderdale's 33311 ZIP code, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church has stood on NW 29th Terrace since 1964. The congregation's motto - "A safe haven and you can get to Heaven from here" - captures both its identity and its long-running mission to serve the surrounding Broward County community.
From Beaulah to Mt. Zion
The congregation traces its roots to October 10, 1961, when the late Reverend Benjamin D. Coes organized Beaulah Missionary Baptist Church with sixteen members. In April 1964, Beaulah and Mount Eagle Baptist Church merged under the direction of Reverend J. King of the Seaboard Baptist Association, forming Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with thirty-nine members. Reverend Dr. Coes shepherded the new body until his death on March 12, 1984.
Reverend Otis C. Allen accepted the call to the pastorate that December, leading the church through decades of growth. Under his tenure a pastor's office, a fellowship hall, central air and heat, and an additional cooling system for the sanctuary all came to the building. After his passing he was named Pastor Emeritus.
On July 31, 2013, the church called Dr. James B. Darling, Jr. as its next pastor. He launched new ministries in hospitality, men's, women's, and dance/drama, and led renovations to the sanctuary and offices - new sound, an electronic video screen, tile floors, and furnishings. During a year of pandemic shutdown and flooding that damaged the offices and sanctuary, the church moved worship to telephone and then Zoom, and at Thanksgiving fed 125 families and donated 25 turkeys to neighbors in need.
Sunday Morning at 10:15
Sunday worship begins at 10:15 AM with a Call to Worship sung from "We Have Come Into His House," followed by the Doxology and a reading of the Hundredth Psalm. The order continues with a Song of Consecration, two prayers, and a pair of hymns before the Scripture Reading from Romans 15:1-7. A Song of Preparation ("I Need You to Survive") opens the sermon, with the pastor preaching from Romans 15:7 (NASB). The service closes with an Invitation to Discipleship, an Intercessory Prayer, and announcements. Tithes and offerings may be placed in the basket at the door, given to an usher, or shared through online giving.
Midweek Bible Study and Prayer
Midweek life gathers around prayer and study. On Tuesday evenings the Executive Board meets at 7:00 PM on the first and third weeks, and a Prayer Workshop and Bible Study meets on Zoom the second and fourth. Wednesday nights on Zoom open with a 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting followed by Church School at 7:00 PM. Saturdays bring Christian Growth and Orientation at 8:30 AM on the second and fourth weekends, a Deacons Meeting at 5:00 PM the Saturday before the first Sunday, and a Third Saturday Prayer Service hosted by the Christian Education Ministry.
Ministries for Every Generation
The church organizes its life around several ministry teams: hospitality, men's, women's, dance/drama, and Christian Education. A youth ministry is also part of the church's life, connecting younger members to the wider congregation. Outreach to neighbors has included community Thanksgiving baskets and donations to families in need, and a YouTube channel keeps the church's online presence active.
A Vision for Abundant Life
Mt. Zion's stated vision is to build a ministry where God's people are empowered to live abundantly through experiences and opportunities that enhance their spiritual, emotional, physical, educational, and financial lives. Its mission is to win souls by spreading God's Word throughout the community, to teach the people of God His will, to prepare them for a life of service to Jesus Christ, and to give them hope of eternal life.
Under that vision, the work continues: equipping, encouraging, and empowering disciples in Fort Lauderdale.