Our History

The Foundation: 1866–1899

After the close of the Civil War, a group of Christians banded together to establish a Baptist church in Freedman’s Village. Freedman’s Village was located on the present-day site of Arlington National Cemetery. The church, called “The Old Bell Church”, was under the leadership of its first pastor, Reverend Robert S. Laws. He guided the congregation through its foundational years, serving as pastor from 1866 to 1875.

Anticipating the eventual closure of Freedman’s Village, the congregation took steps to secure an independent church home. On December 20, 1881, church trustees purchased a one-acre property on Mt. Vernon Avenue, which was later named Arlington Ridge Road. Between 1884 and 1887, a new two-story red brick church with a white marble front was erected and named Mount Zion Baptist Church. This era of growth and relocation was led by Reverend Joseph Matthews, who served as the second pastor for 15 years (1875–1890). Reverend Matthews was followed by Reverend E.R. Jackson, who served as pastor from 1890 to 1903.

The Early 1900s: 1900–1950

During the first decade of the 1900s, Mount Zion Baptist Church had several pastors: Reverend C.H. Fox (1903), Reverend A.G. Gordon (1904–1906), and Reverend F.W. Graham (1908–1914). It was in 1914 that Reverend James E. Green was elected pastor, after many years of service. He joined Mount Zion in 1903. He served as superintendent of the Sunday School for three years and on the Deacon Board for nine years. He was a well-respected leader of the church and community. Under Reverend Green’s pastorate, a new church was erected in 1930 at the Arlington Ridge Road site at a cost of $26,000. In 1942, the federal government condemned the property to make way for a network of roads. The Odd Fellows Hall at Columbia Pike and South Ode Street was selected as a temporary place of worship. Later, property was purchased at 19th and Lowell Streets. Groundbreaking services were held on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944. The first services were held in the new building on the first Sunday in July 1945. Reverend Green served as pastor through 1950.

The Mid 1900s: 1951–1990

In January 1952, Dr. Oswald G. Smith was elected pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Before coming to Mount Zion, he served as assistant pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Early in his ministry, he emphasized the role of social responsibility in fulfilling the Mount Zion mission. He fully embraced this commitment to the congregation and the greater community through the establishment of a Deacon’s Fund in 1956 to assist both members and non-members in meeting emergency costs for goods, medicine, shelter, utilities, and other necessities. Despite losing his hearing to a nerve condition in the 1950s, it was admirable that he fully executed all aspects of his pastoral duties, powerfully preaching and teaching the Word of God throughout his 39-year tenure.

The Modern Era: 1991–Present

In March 1992, Dr. Leonard N. Smith was officially installed as the ninth senior minister of Mount Zion Baptist Church, having preached his first sermon there in November 1991. Under his  leadership, the membership more than doubled and the budget increased to several million dollars. Mount Zion purchased 22 acres of land in Woodbridge, VA. Additionally, Mount Zion purchased property on Kenmore Street for additional parking. Several properties were acquired on Langley Street for use in future efforts.

In July and August 2012, Mount Zion reached a historical milestone—dedicating the completely refurbished and modernized church facility with no debt upon completion. Increased stewardship allows Mount Zion to offer funding to members in need, college scholarships, and donations to various charities and organizations. In 2016, Mount Zion celebrated its sesquicentennial with a year-long grand celebration along with a Pastoral Appreciation Day for Dr. Smith’s 25th Anniversary.

In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed the doors to in-person gatherings, Mount Zion adapted by transitioning to virtual services, utilizing online streaming to keep the congregation connected in worship.

After 30 years of faithful service, Dr. Leonard N. Smith retired as the senior minister of Mount Zion in December 2021. On February 20, 2022, Dr. Smith was called to heaven.

Following Dr. Smith’s tenure, Elder Donald Hayes guided the congregation, serving as interim pastor from 2022 to 2024. A new chapter then began for Mount Zion when Dr. André D. Ivy was installed as the Senior Pastor in 2025, continuing the church’s enduring legacy of faith and community service.

(Updated June 2026.)