“Rising like a phoenix,” that’s what they said about Mount Zion Baptist Church. This church stands as a testament to resilience and community in Philadelphia.
Mount Zion Baptist Church has a long history of religious and social outreach. It extends far beyond Philadelphia. Founded in 1882, the church has been a beacon of hope.
Now look up at the architecture. Do you see the towering glass clerestory walls? They form an abstracted steeple. This steeple references the nearby Gothic Revival style Annex building. Walter Livingston Jr. designed the 1973 building. He was Philadelphia’s most prominent Black architect of the post-war period.
In 1950, Rev. Leon Sullivan became pastor. He served until 1988. Rev. Sullivan gained national recognition as a Civil Rights leader. He developed the Selective Patronage Movement. This movement boycotted businesses that had exclusionary hiring practices. He was a true leader.
Rev. Sullivan led the church to purchase the St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church in 1955. The price was $225,000. They settled the mortgage in 1958. In 1969, Mount Zion purchased the Trinity Reformed Church of Philadelphia. It cost $220,000. This became an Urban Christian Training Center.
Tragedy struck in 1970. A fire destroyed Mount Zion. Rev. Sullivan promised the church would rise again. Services were held in the Trinity Community Center. In 1973, the new cornerstone was laid. The mortgage was paid off in just ten years.
Mount Zion continues to serve its community. Organizations like Called to Serve CDC and the Nicetown-Tioga Improvement Team use the building. The Miriam Medical Clinic also calls it home. The church distributes food and clothing twice a month.
The church once had a renowned basketball league in its gym. Dawn Staley played there.
The Zion Educational Annex played a big role in the community. It offered college prep classes and summer camps. It hosted Boy Scout meetings. After purchasing the building in 1969, the Annex became a hub for various activities. These included dance parties and after-school programs.
An $11 million renovation is underway to restore the Annex. It will be renamed the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center.
Mount Zion Baptist Church stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of faith, community, and perseverance. It honors the legacy of Rev. Leon Sullivan. It continues to serve North Philadelphia.