Church History

SUMMARY OF MOUNT ZION A.M.E. CHURCH HISTORY – 1830 - 2020

On May 20, 1867 the Church was granted its charter under the name and style of “Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church of Norristown”.

From 1884 to 1886, two mortgages were paid and in 1832 the congregation officially organized and adopted the name “MOUNT ZION”.  Since most of the members of the church were of slave background, their masters came looking for them but they had escaped into Canada.  From the 1800’s, 1900’s through the new millennium 2000, many pastors served at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, and many accomplishments and events took place throughout the years.

One of the most important accomplishments was in 1995, under the leadership of Reverend Ellis B. Louden who formed an Expansion Committee to work with the Church Trustees to build an addition to the church which included many months of hard work. Finally, a ground breaking ceremony was held on Sunday, October 8, 1995.  Worship services had been held during the construction period at Gotwals Elementary School.  The congregation returned to the church for services in the Sanctuary on July 11, 1996.  Bishop Philip R. Cousin delivered the message at the Dedication Celebration of the Narthex, Multipurpose Center and General Renovations to the Church Edifice on November 9, 1996.

Moving forward, the Multi-Purpose Center, Lower Level – Fellowship Hall enlarged, new ceiling and new floor tiles were installed in kitchen; new men’s and ladies’ bathrooms, another janitor’s closet, all new plumbing, and another all-purpose room under Louden Hall, which is used for computer training, tutorial programs and other programs under the leadership of Reverend Kanice D. Johns.

June 2017, Reverend Carlos D. Bounds was assigned to pastor Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church-Norristown by Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop. Under the leadership of Pastor Bounds, the church continues to grow and move forward spiritually as he preaches with power and conviction and leads with the love of Christ.  God’s blessings upon Pastor Bounds and the Mt. Zion Church family.