History of mt. Zion Baptist Church

The Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in October 1943 by the  late Rev. Noah N. Jiles, upon being moved by the voice of God in the year prior.  Beside him was his wife Clara Jiles and a few dedicated followers.  The first place of worship was in the upstairs of a rented building at 2226 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA.  With the congregation growing, a new location was secured at 1643 O' Farrell St., in the city of San Francisco, in 1944.  The church family grew spiritually and financially and was able to purchase its first church home in 1947 at 1554 Ellis Street, San Francisco, California.  God's blessing continued to flow and with gratitude, prayer, and praise; the Mt. Zion church purchased the vacated Ellis Street Theatre at 1671 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA. In 1974, Mt. Zion relocated to its present location at 1321 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA.  Under Pastor Jiles, the music ministry consisted of just over 150 voices, an effective Women's Mission grew with Sister Lydie Clark Conner as President, the Sunday School grew and was developed under Sunday School Superintendent Rev. Salem Smith, and much ministry was done.  Pastor Jiles was a faithful Servant/Pastor until the Lord called him home on July 11, 1959.  In 1959, the late Reverend T. R. Provost was called as Pastor and served faithfully until 1969.  In 1970, the Reverend Marshall Polk was called as Pastor.  It was during his tenure as Pastor that the church moved to its present day edifice at 1321 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA.  The following Pastors served gracefully at Mt. Zion Baptist Church , including Pastor Clarence O'Bannon, Pastor Terry L. Thomas, Pastor Shadrick Riddick, Interim Pastor Hurley Thompson, Interim Pastor Terrence Nichols, long serving Pastor Rev Edwin Watkins, and Pastor Clayton Casson.  Rev Watkins blessed Mt. Zion with the longest tenure of service, upon first being called in July 1993 and serving for over 25 years.  Rev. Watkins is credited for instilling evangelism, community ministry, adding to the church, and contributing to the development of the Mt. Zion Baptist District Association. 

On June 1, 2025, the Lord called Rev. Dr. Ovester Armstrong Jr. as the 9th Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Under his leadership, Mt. Zion became a 501 c3 organization in March 2026.  God continues to bless the mission and ministry of Mt. Zion Baptist Church as we move forward in serving the Lord.