Over a Century on Horne Street
The Zion Missionary Baptist Church has stood at 4100 Horne Street in Fort Worth's Lake Como neighborhood since 1919, and its present sanctuary has occupied the corner of Horne and Libbey since 1951. Its roots reach back to the chapel of the old I&M College at 5400 Humbert Avenue, where a small group of neighbors gathered to start what became one of South Fort Worth's most enduring congregations. The early organizers included Elijah White, Ida White, Eugene Baker, Elizabeth Lewis, Fannie Sweeney, Leola Sweeney, Minie Ola Sweeney Nealy, Viola Sweeney Richardson, Victor Obrian and about six children.
When the early homes could no longer hold the group, the congregation moved to Eugene Baker's house at Bonnell and Horne, then bought land at Blackmore and Horne, and finally settled on the present site under Rev. C.C. Quarles. In 1923, Rev. George W. Burton was called to pastor a flock of about 36 members. Over the next 42 years he led the building of the current sanctuary, with the original church bells donated by Sara Mabry. He preached at Zion until December 1966.
Pastors Who Shaped Zion
Rev. J.W. Briscoe, Sr. accepted the call in 1967 and grew the church both spiritually and financially. In 1982 the sanctuary was renovated and the G.W. Burton Fellowship Hall and education wing were added. The Zion Baptist Church Ruth Roberts Scholarship for college students was begun during his pastorate, along with drill teams and other children and youth ministries. He pastored until September 1992.
Rev. Maurice E. Barnes first served as interim pastor in 1992 and was called as pastor in March 1994. He was the public face of Zion for two decades and was known for the phrase "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," a line the church associates with his memory after he was called home on June 11, 2014.
Rev. Kyra L. Hawkins now serves as pastor. Her stated vision is "to reach a lost and dying world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ" and to make the gospel "a message for believers that shapes every facet of the church."
The Church Where Everybody Is Somebody
Zion's theme is "The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and Christ is Lord." Its vision is "Light, Life and Liberty": live in the light to lead others to the light, live life in Christ to encourage others to seek life in him, and walk in the liberty of faith to free others. The mission is to live out that light, life and liberty through expressive praise and worship, the reading and proclaiming of the word, ministries that build up every generation and outreach that serves the surrounding community.
The church is designated a historical landmark by the State of Texas Historical Commission and the City of Fort Worth, a recognition of its long role at the center of religious, political, social, economic and educational life in Lake Como.
Sunday Mornings and Wednesday Nights
Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. and Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Wednesday evening Bible study starts at 6:30 p.m. The congregation is invited to check the calendar for any special midweek events. Services are held in English.
Sermon videos and music from Zion are shared on the church's Vimeo channel, the ZMBC Network, and a YouTube channel of sermon videos, so members who are traveling or unwell can keep up with the preaching and the choir.
Children, Youth and the Drill Teams
Children and students are central to life at Zion. Sunday school classes run alongside the morning service, and a full slate of weekly programs gives young people room to grow. Youth and children's ministries include Youth Bible Study, Children's Bible Study, the Youth and Children's Choir, Marching Drill Teams, Couture Dance and ZBC Master's Mine. The youth ministry emphasizes students becoming "authentic followers of Jesus through their personal commitment to Him and their outward commitment to sharing His truth with others in the community." Youth SING, DANCE, MIME and DRILL, and they perform plays and presentations in their service to the Lord.
Zion has also sent young people on mission trips. In June 2013, Jerome "J.J." Parker Jr. flew to Port-au-Prince, Haiti with groups sponsoring two orphanages, Fondation Enfant Jesus and Village of Vision for Haiti. Crews repaired a roof and septic tank at Lamardelle, repaired cribs and playground equipment and installed a drip watering system at the Kenscoff Orphanage, and distributed 600 hygiene kits along with school supplies and clothing.
Music, Dance and the Choir Loft
Music has a long tradition at Zion. The music ministries include the Voices of Zion Choir, the Sanctuary Choir, the Mission Chorus, the Male Chorus and the Youth and Children's Choir. The Adult Dance team, Couture Dance and the Marching Drill Teams round out a worship life that pairs preaching with a strong choral and performing arts tradition. Pastor Kyra Hawkins has also released recorded music, including the song "Lord I Thank You."
Men, Women and Adult Fellowship
Men's ministries include the Brotherhood, led by Dennis Woods as president, the Board of Deacons with Greg K. Campbell as chairman and Leon Goodwin as vice chairman, and Young Men for Christ. Deacon Robert Meeks Jr. serves as Chairman of Trustees. The Board of Deacons numbers 15 men, who are chosen for the office by the congregation and measured against the qualifications in Acts 6 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
Women's ministries include Senior Women's small groups, the Intermediate Women's Auxiliary, the Junior Women's Missions group and the Adult Dance team. Educational ministries bring these groups together with Sunday School, Training Union, Group Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.
Ushers, First Aid and Media
Visitors are welcomed each Sunday by Senior Ushers, Young Adult Ushers and the Youth and Children's Usher Board, with Senior First Aid on hand to assist. An Audio/Video media team supports the in-person worship and the recorded videos shared online.
Tot's Haven and Outreach in Lake Como
Zion operates a childcare facility through Tot's Haven Christian Academy, which serves families in the Lake Como area. Beyond the academy, the church cultivates spiritual growth and community development through youth enrichment and other charitable endeavors. Zion is affiliated with both the National Baptist Convention of America and the Texas State Convention of Missionary Baptists of God's Children in Texas.
Giving and Staying Connected
Tithes and offerings can be given in person or through an electronic giving program offered through the church's Realm account. Checking, savings, credit and debit contributions are accepted, alongside the long-standing offering taken during worship. The verse the church lifts up for its stewardship is a familiar one: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Visiting Zion
The church sits at 4100 Horne Street on the corner of Horne and Libbey in Fort Worth, Texas 76107. The office can be reached at 817-737-6264 or admin@thezionbaptistchurch.org. Visitors are warmly welcomed any Sunday the family gathers for Sunday school, morning worship and the choir's praise.