Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal
Church was organized in 1882 at 544 Brakefield St. in Slidell. It
was remodeled in 1897 under the leadership of Rev. C. D. Crockett.
As the congregation grew, it became apparent by 1939 that a new church
was needed and a building drive was begun.
Hartzell had its beginnings
as Napoleon Methodist Church. Seeing the need for a new church, a
new building was constructed on Indian Village Road in 1899 and it was
renamed Hartzell after the bishop.
For many years, Hartzell and
Mt. Zion were on the same circuit. On August 26, 1967, the churches
merged under the leadership of Rev. James S. Davidson and became the Hartzell-Mt.
Zion Methodist Church.
In 1969, the present church
was constructed at a cost of $92,000. The consecration and dedication
services were held at the same time. The congregation was able to
occupy the new church debt free. A parsonage was constructed while
Rev. O. W. Christopher was pastor. The church was air-conditioned
while Rev. N. P. Perry was pastor. In 1979, a new church organ and
a new van were purchased for the church.
In the mid 1980's, several improvements
were made. The church received new pew cushions, a paramount, a paved
sidewalk, a new coat of paint, and a fence around the parsonage grounds.
The church received its first full-time minister with the arrival of Rev.
Alonzo Campbell in 1990. Under his leadership, the church established
a successful tithing program, a Boy Scout troop, a Youth choir, Thursday
night prayer service, Bible class, and many other programs.
The first full-time female pastor
was appointed to Hartzell-Mt. Zion in 1996. Under the leadership
of Rev. Darlene Moore-James, the church has organized the steppers, a mass
choir, a Bible study, a new church van, and better church lighting.
The church has recently been involved in a finance campaign for the Family
Life Center. |
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