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New Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1941 by the Rev. W.M. Fennell. Services were held under a tent on Henderson Street near his home in Bryan, Texas. Property at 1524 East Dansby Street was later purchased in hopes of building.
The first church building was erected by Rev. Fennell. After several years of service in this building and under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Fennell was blessed to be instrumental in constructing the second New Zion church building. There he toiled faithfully unto God until his death on June 8, 1951.
In 1945, Rev. A.C. White organized a congregation of believers under the name of Peaceful Rest Baptist Church, becoming the first branch off of New Zion. The year of 1953 added yet another branch to the New Zion family tree. In this year, Rev. Eugene Sims and a faithful few formed St. James Baptist Church.
For a time New Zion was without a pastor. However, Rev. N.C. Williams and Rev. H.L. Goods served as interim pastors until God sent Rev. T.L. Grays. Rev. Grays was a wonderful pastor and spiritual leader. He made considerable improvements to the church including the addition of a cafeteria, baptistery, and a completely remodeled sanctuary.
After the retirement of Rev. Grays, the Lord sent us yet another Spirit-filled young man to spread the Word of God. In 1984, Rev. F.G. Ford took the reigns as pastor of New Zion. In 1990, Rev. Ford's vision of a new church building became reality. The church body moved into a new building located at 1505 East Dansby Street. Rev. Ford resigned his position as pastor in May 2002.
New Zion continues in their faith in God, trusting God to send the Shepherd He prepared to lead His people. During the period without a pastor, God has used the ministers and the deacons of the congregation to lead and continue to feed His word to His people. God chose "a time such as this" to come in and shake His people and test their faith in Him. Truly by God's Hand New Zion has continued to grow spiritually, financially, and in fellowship and discipleship.
The membership remained in continued prayer that The Lord would send a true servant to stand as Pastor of the flock. On December 15, 2002 God answered his people's cry and blessed New Zion with her current Spiritual Leader, Rev. Sylvester Smith, Jr. Rev. Smith took the helm at a runner's pace; always looking to move forward and never taking a step backwards. His vision is to prosper spiritually, win souls and reach out to the community; yet remain humble in everything that's done.
New Zion is looking to the future with plans of renovation and expansion of the worship facility utilizing the 5 acres of land that the current facility sits on.
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