About Us

Early in 1920 , Elder David R. Curry of Jackson along with Elder D.A. Bates and Bishop S.R. Chambers came to Mississippi preaching and teaching Holiness. They met on the street corners of Bolton and at the home of a local resident better known as “Mother

Georgia.” A few people in the Bolton area believed their preaching and teachings and became devout followers.

The Baptist ministers became angry about the meetings and accused the sanctified preachers of being too noisy and teaching “damnable doctrines.” The accusations did not hinder or stop the determination of the sanctified preachers. They continued to meet, praising God with singing, praying, shouting, dancing, and listening to the Word of God.

The Baptist ministers filed an affidavit to have sanctified preachers arrested. The law officials, acting upon the affidavit, attended one of the meetings. Upon arrival, they informed Elder Curry of the nature of their visit. He in turn continued with the meeting, requesting Mother Mary Alice Mangum-Lewis, one of his avid readers, to read the same scriptures that were read the night before. Mother Lewis read and Elder Curry repeated the teaching from the previous night.

The law officials found nothing wrong with Elder Curry’s preaching. They went back to the Baptist ministers and informed them of their findings. They told them that they should be teaching the same thing and should be the ones arrested.

The saints continued to meet; however, they had to obey a nine o’clock curfew. Being obedient both to God and man, the saints ended their meetings at nine o’clock. Through trials and tribulations, the saints constantly prayed and believed that God would work

miracles in their lives.

On October 3, 1930, Mr. Hilrit and Mrs. Elnora Richmond sold the church trustees one acre of land for twenty dollars, on which the church still stands. The first church was a wood framed building built in 1931 by Mr. Herman Jackson*, a Bolton contractor. The church was named Polk Hill Sanctified Church. In the late 1930’s the church burned to the ground. However, this tragedy did not stop the saints; they continued to hold services, meeting wherever the Lord blessed them, under the brush harbor and at various homes.

Elder Ned Gardner* (1932-1935) served as the first pastor of this church. During his ministry, the membership of the church grew and many souls were saved.

After Elder Gardner* left the church, overseer Frank W. Reed* sent Elder Theo Davis* (1935-1942) to serve as pastor. Elder Davis*, being a carpenter, built a second church in the 1940’s. The supplies to build the church were made available by Mr. Lloyd Gaddis*. Mr. Gaddis approved for the trustees to get the building supplies from the Sawmill in Bolton. The church later repaid Mr. Gaddis for the supplies.

Elder Davis later resigned from his position as pastor of the Polk Hill Sanctified Church. Overseer Frank W. Reed* sent Elder J. H. McCoy*(1942-1963) to serve as pastor. During Elder McCoy’s* tenure, many auxiliary departments were established in the church and many people were filled with the Holy Ghost. However, early in 1963 Elder McCoy* was removed from the church. Bishop Theo Davis*, the newly appointed Bishop of Southern Mississippi, sent Elder M.R. Beverly* (1963) to serve as the pastor of Polk Hill. He served for approximately one month.

In 1963, the members requested that Bishop Davis* send Elder Earnest Joseph Johnson*, a “son of the church”, as pastor. The request was granted on August 19th of that year. Elder Johnson* changed the name of the church from Polk Hill Sanctified Church to Zion Chapel

Church of God in Christ in 1965. He referenced the scriptures of Isaiah 4:3, 8:18, 28: 16 and others in selecting the name Zion. With the change of the name, more auxiliaries were organized, members were added, and many souls were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost.

The church was remodeled three times by Elder Johnson* and other saints under his supervision. The newly remodeled church included an extension of the choir stand, pulpit, a pastor’s study, indoor restroom facilities, a fellowship hall, and a covered shed. The newly remodeled church was also bricked and furnished with padded pews. The final remodeling effort on this sanctuary was completed in 1973.

The church has had six “Sons of the House" to be called into the ministry. They are Earnest J. Johnson*, J.P. Pullens, Jimmie Shearry*, Eddie Cotton, Sr.*, James Yarbrough and David Johnson, Sr. These “Sons of the House” served in various capacities of the church prior to being ordained as elders.

On September 2, 1997, through the visionary (no blue print) leadership of our pastor, Superintendent Earnest J. Johnson*, the construction of an ultra modern sanctuary began. The new sanctuary has a seating capacity of 300-450 with a balcony to accommodate the overflow; a fellowship hall named in honor of Superintendent Earnest J. Johnson* that accommodates approximately 70-80; administrative offices, a conference/prayer room, the Upper Room named in honor of the late Mother Maggie Richard*, and an audio-visual technology room.

Superintendent Johnson* donated his time, labor and expertise as contractor to defray thousands of dollars in labor costs. His generosity and commitment along with Mother Johnson’s* support toward the completion of the new church is truly appreciated by the entire church family. Superintendent Johnson and many other worked relentlessly to ensure the completion of our new Church, which was dedicated on April 9, 2000. The church celebrated the mortgage burning of the church in 2010.

On Sunday, August 21, 2011 our First Lady, Mother Joe Mary Johnson* was laid to rest in the church cemetery; making her the first “First Lady” to be laid to rest in the cemetery.

As we reflect upon the rich heritage that our forefathers have left for us, this history stands as a testament of our theme song, “We’ve Come This Far By Faith.” It is only through the grace and mercy of God that the church has been able to stand upon a sure and solid foundation. We can’t turn around because we’ve come this far by faith leaning on the Lord and trusting in his Holy Word. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrew 11:1)

*Deceased