Upper Zion Baptist Church

The Upper Zion Baptist Church was organized April 15, 1868 with seven members and two ministers, Rev. Manuel Griffin and Rev. Tweed of Saint John Baptist Church. Rev. L. Smith was called as the first pastor of our church. He served 14 years. Brother J. Richardson was ordained as the first deacon. Under the leadership of Rev. Smith, many members were added to the church.

Rev. F. Miller, the second pastor, served one year and six months. The former pastor L. Smith was called for the second time and worked faithfully until the Lord called him home. The Upper Zion Baptist Church family continued under the leadership of the late M. G. Green, who served approximately 28 years. Since the pastorate of Rev. Green, our church family has been blessed with several other pastors:

Rev. Cook
Rev. D. H. King
Rev. Herman Farr
Rev. Kirby D. White
Rev. Sam Price
Rev. C. F. Williams
Rev. Duane Douglas
Rev. Darryl Clark, Sr.

Our Current Pastor is Reverend Michael Tyler. Pastor Tyler was called and confirmed as the pastor of the Upper Zion Baptist Church on June 23, 2013. Pastor Tyler comes to us from the Avenue Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he served as the Minister of Youth and Children. He is a life-long member of Avenue Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Dr. L. D. Scott. While at Avenue, he and his wife also served as Youth Directors. He was also responsible for youth and children's bible study, was a Sunday School teacher, taught Vacation Bible School, assisted with the Young Adult Ministry, was over the Media Ministry and he served as the web-site administrator.

We at Upper Zion are a church committed to sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. Our goal is to introduce you to the Person of Christ, teach you about the Perfect Sacrifice of Christ and equip you to live by the Principles of Christ.