Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church

“A Light Set Upon a Hill”

Founded in 1875, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church was the first black church in Darby. In 1875 a steadfast band of Christians met in Penn Hall, Tenth Street, Darby, Pa., then known as Serill Street, to organize a Sunday School and Bible Study Class.

Those present on that second Sunday of May were; Allen Disberry, Charles Price, John Meads, Samuel Rodgers, John Massey, Charles Tomplims, May Fisher, Rebecca Roland, Jane Meads, Henrietta Grace, Anna Clay and others. Officers were elected: Superintendent, Allen Disberry, Assistant Superintendent, May Fisher; Secretary, Charles Price; Assistant Secretary, W.H. Cork; Treasurer, Samuel Rodgers.

Two years, later, they purchased the lot where the present church now stands, at a cost of $150.00. They built a 20’ x 30’ frame building. The little Chapel was constructed at a cost of $500.00. The people were served by the Rev. Hopkins of Ebenezer Church, Okeola (then called Horntown) along with Brother Dobson, a local minister. In 1879 the church was assigned its own minister, Rev. Richard Barney, he died in 1881 and his remains were buried in front of the Church. During his pastorate, Mt. Zion was rebuilt and enlarged. In 1916 the upper story which houses the Sanctuary was added. In 1976 the Annex was added during the pastorate of Rev. Leon J. Burnham.

The church’s beautiful stained glass windows reflect the names of many devoted members of that era. The parsonage at 302 Marks Avenue, Darby was purchased in 1897. Built of brick, it continues to serve the church and its ministers as well. Marks Avenue is named for Jefferson Marks, an enterprising black business man of those days.

The church has been pastored by 46 ministers since its acceptance as an African Methodist Episcopal Church and has served the community as well. Through three wars and peacetime, depression and prosperity, good times and bad, Mt. Zion has been, and is still considered, “A light set upon a hill”. Her children have gone into the world with a spiritual background that has enabled them to preserve and persevere. Many have made a name for themselves in their chosen professions, as well as in their civic and religious contributions. Descendents of the early members of Mt. Zion still worship in the Church of their forefathers. There are fifth or sixth generation family members in Mt. Zion’s congregation today.

One of Mt. Zion’s oldest members, Ms. Nellie Stanford, lived to be 112 years of age and lived in Darby from 1916 until her death. Ms. Florence Lewis, who was 100 years old when she died, was born in Darby and spent over seventy years of her life as a member of Mt. Zion Church. Dr. Leroy Gates and Ms. Mable Gates also came as small children and devoted their lives to the Church they loved.

Mr. Lloyd Thompson, born on October 4, 1895 came to Darby at age two and died here in 1987 at the age of 92. He was a columnist for the Suburban Weekly, and chronicled many of the events that happended in Darby during that time. He also chronicled the history of the Hilldale Baseball Team.

Two of the oldest members of Mt. Zion today are Mrs. Grace Parks, 98 and Mrs. Beatrice Harris, 93. The Silver Stars Senior Club organized in 1995 meets weekly and brings information, crafts and Christian fellowship to the Church’s older members.

Mt. Zion A.M.E. provides support to Young’s Chapel in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Current Pastor is Rev. Alberta Jones who is the second female Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church.The Church continues to serve its members and the community under her Christian leadership.