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A group of Christian
brethren on the west side of Chicago held a meeting in August, 1925
to discuss the need for a Baptist church in their community. The
committee rented an apartment in the Masonic Hall at 12221 South
Blue Island Avenue. After several meetings, a temporary organization
was formed consisting of: Willie Washington, Levi Nelson, Richard
Clark, H.K. Carter, John Perry, Eddie Lewis, S.M. Matthew, Eric
Moore, Fred Thomas, Ida Hardy, Annie Carter and Estella Washington,
Zion
Hill Missionary Baptist Church
One month later, Rev. L.M. Johnson of St. Louis, MO was named the
first pastor of Zion Hill. Rev. Johnson served for one year and the
following year Rev. W.M. Jones of Vicksburg, MS was elected pastor.
Rev. Jones spearheaded the campaign to move into a regular facility.
On November 11, 1928, Rev. Jones
along with officers and members marched to 1521 West Hastings
Street. In the new location, the church membership increased to
1,800 members.
Years later, at Pastor Jones’ resignation, the church suffered
greatly and the membership declined to only 83 members. On November
9, 1937, the deacons recommended the election of Rev. Roy D. Hawkins
from Greenville, MS as pastor. Under his leadership the membership
again increased to more than 1,300 members. On October 1, 1946, Dr.
H.R. Stephenson of Helena, AR was elected pastor and the church was
relocted to 1319 – 21 South Ashland. Zion Hill progressed rapidly
under Dr. Stephenson’s leadership and also participated regularly in
the National Baptist Convention, Sunday School, Baptist Training
Union Congress and the Chicago Baptist Institute. During his tenure,
the total membership reached more than 3,000 and a special building
fund was established.
Soon after Dr.
Stephenson’s death in 1968, Rev. E.W. Williamson was elected pastor.
Under his leadership on the first Sunday in March, 1970, the move to
78th and Laflin became a reality. The pilgrimage from the
old building to the new South side location was a great event, which
was followed by a full month of dedicatorial services. Many local
residents participated in these spirit-filled services, marking the
beginning of Zion Hill’s ministry in the new community. Soon after
the relocation many changes were made; the pulpit area, choir
chancel and baptismal pool were remodeled, the parking lot was
resurfaced and a new organ and office furniture were purchased.
Zion Hill was now firmly established in it’s new home and many
activities and programs were planned to uplift and assist it’s
residents.
When Pastor Williamson resigned many years later, Zion Hill received
a special blessing in Rev. Dr. George W. Waddles, Sr. He accepted
the pastorate in December, 1983 and came with a wealth of experience
in preaching and teaching the Word of God and has proven to be a
tremendous asset to Zion Hill, the community, our denomination and
the country.
- Some
of the Zion Hill accomplishments under Dr. Waddles leadership;
renovation of the Sanctuary and Parish Hall along with new roofs
put on both, establishment of Zion Hill Community Service Center
as well as a Christian School – Zion Hill Christian Academy. The
church was moved to a doctrinally sound Bible teaching
congregation with Discipleship classes for all members. A
vibrant evangelistic ministry was developed on the corner of 79th
Street and Ashland along with Wednesday night Outreach service.
He has also led the church in denominational works as the Dean
of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education with as
many as ten Zion Hill members holding National staff positions.
Dr. Waddles established the Haitian Mission Ministry, taught in
Germany, Haiti as well as sent Mrs. Waddles to Ethiopia. Zion
Hill continues to grow and do great work for the advancement of
His Kingdom.
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