Our Beginnings (1919–1924)
- 1919 – Mount Zion Baptist Church, affectionately known as “The Little Church by the Side of the Road,” began as a mission.
- 1924 – Mrs. Cora Morgan, Mrs. Paul Davis, Mrs. Lucy Humphrey, Mrs. Ellen Watkins, Mrs. Katie Lewis, Mrs. Rebecca Gary, and Mrs. Lucy Johnson organized the first fellowship service. This gathering became the seedbed for the creation of the church.
Building Years (1920s–1940s)
- The first pastor was Rev. Alyene, followed by Rev. Ware, who secured the mortgage to construct the church building.
- Rev. James Croom, along with family members Deacon H.K. Croom and Chelsie Croom, led the actual construction—a process that took more than two years.
- During this time, services were held in the basement of Calvary Baptist Church, and Sunday School was combined with St. John AME Church.
Growth and Renewal (1970s–1980s)
- Under Rev. Andre P. Smith (1970s), the church was renovated and the mortgage was burned.
- 1985 – Mount Zion installed its first female pastor, Rev. Jewell J. McKoy, under whose leadership a parsonage and other properties were purchased for future expansion.
New Millennium (2000s–2020s)
- Under Pastor Barry R. Miller, the church was renovated and refreshed.
- Thanks to an upgraded sound and technology system, Mount Zion remained open and active online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A parking lot was dedicated in remembrance of Sister Vivian Burroughs.
- Under Pastor Bernard Glee, a crosswalk was installed and named for Sister Vivian Stubbs, known as “The Mayor of Hegeman Park,” to ensure safe passage from the lot to the church doors
New Chapter (2025–Present)
- March 30, 2025 – Mount Zion celebrated the installation of Pastor Ivy Annette Scudder.
- Pastor Ivy has declared that Mount Zion will be a congregation striving toward “wholeness and holiness.”
- Her vision: No matter who you are or where you come from, you will find a home at Mount Zion.
OUR LEGACY
Since its inception, Mount Zion has been a dynamic and active presence in our community, serving the changing needs of the present age. We are grateful for all who have served and supported this ministry, and we look forward to even greater opportunities.
Above all, our greatest gratitude is to God, for we know:
The church is not simply brick and mortar—it is the body of believers who have come to know and love our Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of this little church by the side of the road.
Contact Us
Mt. Zion Baptist Church 22 Sand Rd. Westwood, NJ
Online Donation
Take a look at Online Bible
Online Bible
Take a look at Online Bible
- (201) 664-1557 Church Office
- mzbcwestwood@gmail.com
- 22A Sand Road, Westwood, New Jersey 07675
- 1st Sunday of the month (Holy Communion)
- 4th Sunday of the month (Baptism)
SERVICE TIMES
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Saturdays : 7:00 AM Morning Intercessory Prayer
Prayer Line Number: 516-387-8120 - Sundays : 10:00 AM Morning Church Service
- Wednesdays: Bible Study Time: 07:00 PM Eastern Time( US and Canada)
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Every week on Wednesdays, Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87856685955?pwd=umCINds9ZzMRtFbwGwcyXBxjSeNoMU.1
Meeting ID: 878 5668 5955
Passcode: 542187
Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
