CHURCH HISTORY
Zion Travelers M.B. Church was organized on September 9, 1947 with the Rev. Sam B. Burns serving as pastor. Worship services were held every 2nd and 4th Sundays in the home of Rev. & Mrs. James Stewart on Powell Rhodes Drive, Jackson, Mississippi Brother Albert McCall served as Superintendent of Sunday School. Later, the members purchased a lot and bought a tent from Sears, Roebuck & Company where services were conducted each Sunday using kerosene lamps for light. Sadly, the tent was burned down nonetheless, with the help of Brother Albert McCall and others, arrangements to build at 1916 Mobile Avenue, Jackson, Mississippi, were made possible and in 1950 the first dedication service was held.
Rev. Sam B. Burns served Zion Travelers faithfully until his illness in 1953. Rev. J. C. Rankin, his assistant at that time, was appointed Pastor of Zion Travelers. Under Rev. J.C. Rankin’s leadership, the senior choir, with Sister Myrtis Marie Williams, was organized. In addition, the usher board, male chorus, young adult choir, mission, and etc., were also formed.
Zion Travelers continued to progress under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Rankin until his serious illness in 1984. In 1985 the members of Zion Travelers met and voted to retire Rev. Rankin with a salary. It was recommended that Rev. Daniel Watkins, who was serving as pastor until Rev. Rankin returned, be asked to serve as Pastor of Zion Travelers. After much prayer and waiting on the answer from the Lord, Rev. Watkins accepted the position as Pastor of Zion Travelers in February of 1985. The love, success, and growth of Zion Travelers have been due to the goodness and grace of God. Therefore, all glory and honor has been given to Him.
In October of 1987, the members met and decided a larger place was needed because of the continued growth in membership. The board asked all members to assist in locating property to build or find another building. In June of 1988, Sister Rosie Lee Williams and Brother Charles Smith brought to the attention of the membership that Pearl Street A.M.E. was for sale. After investigated the building, visiting the church and through much prayer, it was decided that this would be the new home of Zion Travelers M.B. Church.
The move was made during the fall of 1988, after the church obtained a financial contract for fifteen years with a local bank to purchase the property on Pearl Street. It was also voted on and agreed upon to sell the building located at 916 Mobile Avenue. God has allowed Zion Travelers to meet every obligation entered and since moving, Zion Travelers has been blessed by God in many ways. The debt for fifteen years was paid in full in six - Glory to God!
Zion Travelers is now a church of about four hundred (400) members. We are blessed with three (3) wonderful choirs and talented musicians. We currently have twelve (12) ministries built on the pillars of Discipleship, Fellowship, Worship, Evangelism, and Ministry. God has led us to confront tradition and move toward diligence and holiness. Zion Travelers history is a "living history" rooted in God’s word and led by His Spirit.
