Sixth Mount Zion enjoys a heritage of dynamic fellowship and extraordinary leadership that dates back to 1867... more about us
This Week at SMZ
Where We've Been...
Sixth Mount Zion enjoys a heritage of dynamic fellowship and extraordinary
leadership that dates to 1867, when the renowned Reverend John Jasper founded the church. Typical of the desperate conditions for many African-Americans in Richmond immediately after the Civil War, Sixth Mount Zion was originally organized in an abandoned confederate horse stable on Brown's Island along the shores of the James River.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the church with two historical highway markers--one at the church site in downtown Richmond, and another in Fluvanna County near the birthplace of John Jasper. Residing within the historic Jackson Ward District, the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. In 2004, the Richmond City Council honored the church with a special designation as a local "historic district," encompassing the 3 acres of land on which it stands, the only black church in Richmond to receive this distinction.
For over a century, Sixth Mount Zion has served as a center of spiritual and community life, addressing the social concerns of the city's residents. Sixth Mount Zion was one of the first black churches to have an organized charity with a staff social worker to administer to the indigent of the community and city. This tradition has continued up to the present time through the work of the Gilpin-Jackson Center, organized in 1994 as a powerful tool to assist individuals and families with the resources necessary to overcome obstacles that prevent them from achieving personal, social and economic goals.
In April 2005, Reverend Tyrone Nelson was elected as our pastor. Since he has been here, the church has undergone a total transformation. With his leadership, Sixth Mount Zion has reinvigorated itself and stands ready to meet the many challenges of an urban 21st-century church. Today, our ministries work together to fulfill this goal and to enrich the lives of individuals from children to young adults and senior citizens.
Where We are Going...
Our Mission
The mission of the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church is to meet the needs of God's people through discipleship, worship, fellowship, evangelism and stewardship.
Our Vision The Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church exists to create a community of believers who are committed to:
Become dedicated and faithful disciples
Develop strong and healthy families (biologically and spiritually)
Love God and each other
Participate in active worship experiences
Create financially responsible disciples
Have an evangelistic perspective and presence
Involve ourselves in civic, social, and community improvement
Focus on the growth of the “TOTAL” person (Mind, Body and Soul)
