Church Origins Founded 1925
Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as a result of efforts by a group of dedicated brothers and their families. This effort was led by the late Reverend F.L. Gillians, Brothers Joe Cooper, Sam Burgess, Arthur Johnson, Elijah Pope, Willie Sawyer, W.E. Simmons, J.D. Daniels, E.S.Hicks, and the Reverend S. Stokes. This organization took place under the Pastorship of the late Reverend S.L. O’Neal.
The first meeting was held at Just-Rite Cleaners Pressing Club, where Reverend Gillians was employed. At this first meeting, it was agreed upon to purchase a lot and build a Church. Mount Zion’s forefathers were determined to meet this goal, and did. They purchased the first Church site under a brush harbor at Nineteenth Street and Fairfield Avenue South, and the Reverend Gillians bought the first plat of lumber.
The first services were held on the site of 919 20th Street South on the first Sunday in January 1925. Thus a few devoted Christians, frequently praying and singing God’s praises met each Sunday. The congregation made many additions and improvements to the building.
As the ministries and the needs of the people grew, the Church began a search for land to enlarge its territory to minister and meet the needs of its members and the community. On September 14, 2008, our territory was enlarged through a vision given to Rev. Clarence A. Williams from God. The prayers of many dedicated and committed members helped us relocate to our present location at 1045 16th Street South.
God has truly been good to our Ministries.
Leadership 1925 - Present
Reverend S.L. O’Neal 1925-1929
Reverend I.J. Jenkins 1929-1930
Reverend W. M. Senior 1930-1930
Reverend R.H. Damis 1930-1934
Reverend John Brook 1934-1937
Reverend F.D. Hall 1937-1940
Reverend R.W. Williams 1940-1942
Reverend J.L. Wallace 1942-1946
Reverend J.J. Heath 1946-1954
Reverend C.C. Brooks 1954-1955
Reverend G.L. Ganis 1955-1956
Reverend D.A. Anderso 1956-1964
Reverend A.J. Covington 1964-1972
Reverend F.C. Sanchez 1972-1974
Reverend A.J. Richardson Jr. 1974-1979
Reverend Jessie Brown 1979-1985
Reverend M.C. Ross 1985-1986
Reverend Samuel L. Green 1986-1988
Reverend Allan B. Stockton 1988-1994
Reverend Leroy W. Sneed Jr. 1994-1996
Reverend Charles Robinson 1996-1999
Reverend Clarence Williams 1999 - Present
Pastor Williams, a native of Bartow, Florida attended Bartow High School where he pursued his love for music by playing in the concert band and formed a youth band with three friends where he played the drums. He attended Knoxville College, graduating with a major in Biology. He worked with the Mosaic Company, one of the world’s largest producers of crop and animal nutrients for more than 20 years. In March 2003, he retired from the cooperate world to fully concentrate on his Ministry.
In 1999, Bishop Frank C. Cummings assigned Pastor Williams to Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in St. Petersburg, Florida where he presently serves as Senior Pastor. As a faithful servant and good steward, the Lord gave him a vision to enlarge his territory for Ministry. He followed the vision and embarked on a 2-million-dollar project to relocate the Church to a larger facility in 2008. The church has grown, adding many new members to continue the work for the kingdom.
Pastor Williams is the founder and chairman of the board of Cross & Anvil Human Services, a nonprofit organization which serves under privileged children of south St. Petersburg. He serves as a Board Member of Evera Health and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, FL. In addition, Pastor Williams serves as Vice-Chairman of the West Coast Conference Board of Trustees, and is Director of Production and Technology for the Eleventh Episcopal District encompassing the state of Florida and the Bahamas Islands. He is a Life Member of the NAACP, Co-founder of F.A.S.T. Justice Ministry. He is regarded as a powerful spokesperson for justice and equality for all. He is a member of the Sunshine City Consistory 147 in St. Petersburg Florida, where he holds a 33rd degree.
Pastor Williams is a businessman owning a media company, a holding company, and an aerial inspection and mapping company. He supports minority owned businesses and believes in teaching entrepreneurship to young people.
Pastor Williams is married to Mrs. Andrea P. Williams, and they work as a team in ministry. Sister Williams serves as advisor to the Women’s Missionary Society, the Women’s Ministry and the Couples ministry. She is a mentor and advisor for Women in the Making, a young lady mentoring group that operates under Cross and Anvil. They have two daughters, Dominque and Nichole, goddaughter, Andria and twin grandchildren, Ava and Aden.
Pastor Williams leads by example with a kind, compassionate and giving spirit. He distinguishes himself as a people person. His ministry is Christ centered and spirit lead. His favorite scripture passages are Philippians 3:13-14, and Ephesians 4:1-3. His hobbies are playing golf, fishing and listening to classical and jazz music.