General Info

Zion Travelers History Zion Travelers M.B. Church was organized on September 9, 1947, with Rev. Sam B. Burns as pastor. Worship services were held in the home of Rev. & Mrs. James Stewart on Powers Drive in Jackson, MS. Later, the members purchased a lot and built a new sanctuary at 916 Mobile Avenue with a dedication service in 1950. Rev. Sam B. Burns served faithfully until his illness in 1953. Rev. J. C. Rankin, his assistant at the time, was then appointed Pastor. Under Rev. Rankin's leadership, the senior choir was organized and in subsequently the usher board, male chorus, young adult choir and mission were established. Zion Travelers continued to progress under Rev. Rankin's leadership until his retirement in 1985. The congregation recommended and asked Rev. Daniel Watkins to serve as Pastor. After much prayer and waiting on an answer from the Lord, Rev, Watkins accepted the position of Pastor in February 1985. Zion Travelers has received much love, success and growth since then due to the goodness and grace of God. In light of the steady growth in membership, during the fall of 1988 Zion Travelers bought an existing church site at 925 West Pearl Street. Zion Travelers is now a very spiritual church with three hundred fifty (350) members, six (6) ministers and three (3) evangelists. There are twelve ministries (12) designed to offer a spiritual organization for strength and salvation. With God's continuing blessings we continue to involve the youth in all aspects of the church. Youth guidance classes were established to emphasize spiritual training and academic tutoring. Zion Travelers continue to sponsor an annual youth banquet and offer a tremendous summer program, including trips. Summer trips have been to Atlanta., Washington, D.C., Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Birmingham.