- In 1814, two years before the African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized and established, a company of Negroes met at an old house at North Bend, now known as Christiana, and started a prayer meeting. In 1815, they moved out of the house and into a small building at the top of Zion Hill, across from the present day church building. As they struggled for religious freedom, they contacted Bishop Richard Allen and in 1817 Bishop Allen dedicated that building as Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- In 1822 they purchased a tract of land in Penningtonville, now known as Atglen. This is the location of the present- day church. At Mt. Zion plans were made for resisting a bounty hunters who were searching for runaway slaves during the Resistance at Christiana, in 1851. In an effort to gain entry, shots were fired through the door of the church building. That door is on display in the lower level of the church today.
- In 1861, just before the start of the Civil War, construction on the present- day church began. Because of the War, construction was halted until them men returned and completed construction in 1866. Also, in 1866, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellow was organized in this church.
- In 1870, land for the “Grove” (grassy area adjacent to the church) and land for the cemetery was purchased.
- On March 4, 1934, fire destroyed the church burning it to the ground. It was rebuilt in October of that year under the leadership of Rev. H.A. Ivery and still stands today.
- There have been 9 pastors after that. Beginning in 1942 Rev. E. C. Lindsey served Mt. Zion for 34 years. Rev. E. C. Lindsey passed away in March, 1976.
- Rev. A. J. Hopkins, finished out Rev. Lindsey’s term and in May 1976, Rev. R. C. Keesee was sent to pastor Mt. Zion and served for two years. Rev. Willard McLendon followed him and also pastored for two years.
- In 1980, Rev. John W. Anderson, Sr. was assigned. Rev. George H. Beachum, IV followed and he served until 2002. From 2002 to 2009, Rev. Dr. Melvin D. Wayns, Jr. served as pastor, and from 2009 to 2021 Mt. Zion was served by Rev. Dr. Linwood M. Smith, Jr.
- Rev. Linda G. Samuels –Ellerbe currently serves as Pastor.
