By Dyonce Williamson, Contributing Writer
To bring the will of God down on Earth as it is in Heaven, those who proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ must demonstrate their trust in Him. They must do so by choosing to be obedient to Holy Spirit-ordained risks. For without it, we know there is no reward. A dedicated congregation on North Queen Street reshaped this secular proverb into a Godly principle. It’s not every Sunday that a local body of believers receives the opportunity to celebrate large accomplishments. However, Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dover, Delaware, graciously hosted their guests through the completion and dedication of a million-dollar building project, the honoring of a historic bishop, and the impactful homecoming of a man who shaped the future. All three were presented on a platter of prestige and pure courage. Exceeding even their own expectations, these congregants modeled a persevering faith that proved the Kingdom has no place for cowardice.
When a group of believers declares their church’s calling is to serve Christ, engage generations, grow in faith, and remain steadfast in worship, they should expect to be put to the test. From the unveiling of the building project to the benediction of the Rededication Service, Mount Zion’s motto stood firm. Then pastor, now Presiding Elder, Ellis Louden of the Dover District formed a strategic planning committee in 2018, with the intention of shifting Mt. Zion into a sustainable future. The plan was adopted and continued under Bishop Crawford, whose administrative leadership catapulted the preparation into action. Throughout the transitions of leadership at all levels of the connection, a global pandemic, personal and professional challenges, Bishop Crawford and the members of Mt. Zion pushed through. They did not succumb to the circumstances, instead they chose to remain tenacious and adaptable.
Securing the go-ahead from God first, and from the bank afterward, the loan was secured. The first leg of the race was complete, withstanding the moments when the circumstances seemed to be stalling out. But with every setback, they let the cloud of billowing smoke clear the air, restarted the car, and continued the race. The pastors, ministerial staff, officers, and congregants were tried physically, mentally, spiritually, and even economically. Leaders and members at all levels can recall the various hardships endured during this period. Understandably, one of the most strenuous yet divine times for all parties was during the administrative and spiritual transition of then shepherd and project visionary, Bishop Erika Derisse Crawford. From becoming the first woman pastor of Mt. Zion to the first woman to lead a Bishop’s Class, there was no shortage of concern about who would succeed her. Just short of two weeks after breaking ground, Mt. Zion had to adapt to yet another swift transition. Who has the courage to take on not only this daring venture, but the spiritually weighted mantle of this call? From Bishop Crawford’s lips to the ears of all those who would hear, this transition required someone who loved the people more than the power.
Proven in the way he has led this congregation since his appointment on Founder’s Day, Bishop Crawford gave the Reverend Darien Jamel Jones his well-deserved accolades. There was a nuanced understanding that when God sends favor, those on Earth still expect evidence. Rev. Jones’ transition, though unexpected, was certified as one that emulated maturity and wisdom. The Reverend Darien showcased his humble ability to be a disciple to the cause of those who came before him, yet led with the vision and grit of one who is confident in his calling. With every chance and in great reverence, the Rev. Jones thanked Bishop Crawford, Bishop Jackson, and Bishop Green for allowing a young man in ministry to showcase his gifts in their own ways. All the opportunities presented to him in the past worked together for the good, leading to this moment with the saints of Mt. Zion, celebrating a historic milestone in the church’s 153 year history.
Mt. Zion AME has a long and strong past of investing in real estate and property to expand its ministry in Dover, Delaware. The original project included plans for a family life center until Bishop Crawford pointed outside, suggesting a building extension. With the intention of enhancing the sanctuary while adding class and conference room space, it is clear Mt. Zion intends to handle God’s business beyond Sunday mornings. Starting in the main sanctuary, it includes all-new windows and doors and has been brightened with upgraded lighting fixtures. A fire sprinkler system was also installed in the sanctuary, prioritizing the safety of all. The reasons for upgrading the HVAC system expressed concern beyond the obvious. This was done to enhance the energy efficiency of the building and to no longer be financially consumed by utilities and maintenance. Mt. Zion historically struggled with HVAC and saw an opportunity to save by spending, taking on a risk, and now reaping the reward.
Understanding there are members who have challenges with stairs, the administrative wing added two bathrooms upstairs. There are four new classrooms that also double as conference rooms and overflow space. There were additions of office specs for the pastor and a new secretary. With a prophetic tongue, Pro-Tem of the Steward Board Dr. Wilma Mishoe, stated the mortgage will be burned early, meaning the new finance room is sure to be put to use. Downstairs was restructured into two new rooms, one for the ministerial staff and the other for Mt. Zion Archives. Mt. Zion is discerning on how this new space will best serve the community and enhance the work that has not stopped. Rev. Jones hopes to use the areas for instruction, with the intent of offering a place the community can seek education, but also a place they can be served.
As the construction crew hammered down, the disciples of Mt. Zion, unwavering in discipline yet open to adjustment, temporarily moved into Bennett Chapel on the Delaware State University Downtown Campus. During this time, Pastor Jones and the members of Mt. Zion became more acclimated to their circumstances and to each other. Though the sanctuary changed, the willingness, the work, and the worship remained steadfast. Mt. Zion continued to support local, area, conference, and district engagements, never once allowing their situation to distract them from their purpose. the Rev. Jones, passionate about the work at hand, felt the need to recognize all that had been done and who got it done in one weekend. With the executive direction of the Rev. Iola and the faithful Rededication Weekend Committees, Mt. Zion showed its guests a sliver of the hard work they have put in for the past century and a half.
In true theme, A Legacy Rededicated took many forms. The return of two bishops who forged different parts of their career at Mt. Zion AME converged their legacies that weekend. Saturday night’s evening of elegance, designed to honor the renowned, 143rd elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Church, the Reverend Dr. Erica Crawford. The night recalled her journey to the bench and was filled with tribute and memory of the time it took Bishop Crawford to get to where she is now, in the Great Eighth Episcopal District. Bishop Crawford made it clear that Mt. Zion AME Church in Dover, Delaware, saved her ministry. While basking in the delight of videos and speeches from colleagues across the First District, the common consensus was that Bishop Crawford dared to believe she was not only called to preach to God’s people, but bore the fortitude to lead them in change also.
Like guests at a wedding reception, the Sunday morning atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and great expectation towards the future. The aforementioned devotees who helped in the forging of Bishop Crawford’s emerging legacy brought a memorable culmination to Bishop Jackson’s. A blast from the past, far from prodigal son, returned home to tell Mt. Zion once again that they must remain the church at its best. He left Dover a fresh, young minister and came back that Sunday morning, a prominent change agent of Black History. The Reverend. Dr. Reginald T. Jackson, the 132nd elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, proclaimed his final word to the same members who heard his very first. He charged Mt. Zion and the greater AME Connection not to just think of a future reimagined, but to be the ones who valiantly live out the Psalmic verse, “on earth as it is in heaven,” from now until thy Kingdom come.
Amid the excitement of hosting our distinguished episcopal and connectional leaders stood a congregation: past, present, and future, showcasing the unity of generations and moving with determination. The display of dauntlessness from Mt. Zion’s youth, the evening prior to Bro. Reuben Salters, reminding us how he once taught Bishop Jackson in Sunday school, proved that resilience is the key to a thriving congregation. It was most fitting that Bishop Green was called to remind this congregation who they are: active, daring, and filled with the Holy Spirit. This church militant is well on its way to embodying the church triumphant.
To God be the glory!