Mount Zion United Methodist Church
Highland, Maryland
Groups
Ministry
- Sunday School
- Mission Opportunities
- Christian Education
- Shepherd Program
- Mt. Zion Christian Preschool
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The History of Mount Zion - 1960 to 2000
June 1960
The Baltimore Conference designated Mount Zion as a "station church," one church served by a pastor appointed to serve only that congregation. The Rev. Julian Tavenner is appointed to Mount Zion.
July 1961
Two adjoining acres of land was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Pue for approximately $ 5,000.
1962
1962
Mount Zion was awarded with the "Church of the Year Award," as the Baltimore Conference's Best Rural Church.
December 13, 1962
Consecration by Bishop John Wesley Lord of new (current) sanctuary with education classrooms on a lower level. Church membership was 294 persons.
1963
Concrete block church on the corner is torn down. The bell of the church was incorporated into a victory bell structure at Glenelg High School. The first unified budget of $ 35,707 was established.
April 23, 1968
The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren denominations merged to become the United Methodist Church(UMC).
November 9, 1970
The Rev. Melvin Hughson and family moved into a new parsonage (facing Browns Bridge Road) on the grounds of the church. The new parsonage cost $ 37, 505.21.
December 1982
The membership of Mount Zion was 657 with an average of 242 in worship.
May 19, 1985
During the pastorate of Stephen Rettenmayer, a new education wing with offices, chapel, and nursery was consecrated by Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel, connecting the Sanctuary with the Fellowship Hall. The new unit cost approximately $ 484,000.
March 1989
The Mount Zion Christian Preschool was begun as an outreach ministry of Mount Zion UMC. The first director was Judy Erdman.
Spring 1990
The Kairos Pastoral Counseling Center (now the Kairos Pastoral Care Center) was started as an outreach ministry of Mount Zion UMC. The first director was the Rev. El Dasch.
December 1995
The membership of Mt. Zion was 1110 with an average of 405 in worship.
July 1, 1998
Dr. Kenneth Lyons, having been appointed as District Superintendent of the Cumberland Hagerstown District, was followed by Dr. Thomas N. Connar.
January 1, 1999
Dr. Robert Burdette, having already been appointed part time to Mount Zion, now became a full time appointment, providing Mount Zion with two full time ministers serving consecutively under a Bishop's appointment.
January 2000
Renovations to the Sanctuary created a larger chancel with all movable furnishings, along with new carpeting, increased lighting, and improved sound system.
(Timeline prepared by Thomas N. Connar, September, 2004)
Mt. Zion's History - | 1862 to 1899 | 1915 to 1957 | 1960 to 2000 | 2001 to 2006 | 2007 to Present
Over 140 Years of History
For over 140 years, the people of Mount Zion have done God's work in this section of Maryland's beautiful countryside. Please enjoy this tribute to their lives and times.
Photo Albums
2005
2006
2007
Wesley Choir - Malice in the Palace
Farewell for Dr. Connar and Rev. Hall - June, 2007
2008
Wesley Choir - Are We There Yet?
History Links
Interments in Mt. Zion Cemetery