“Let Mount Zion Rejoice…” with Rev. Aaron Williams

By Chris H. Bennett, Chairman, The Seattle Medium Group After nearly three years of rejoicing under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Seattle will install its 24th Pastor, Rev. Aaron Williams of Garland, Texas. After 40 years of serving as pastor of Mount Zion, Dr. McKinney was asked once again to shepherd the flock for three years and perhaps its most difficult era in its one hundredth plus year history of existence. That era was truly a transitional period for the greater Seattle/ Tacoma area and Washington State’s most influential African American Religious institution. Mount Zion, a historical icon, where most local, state, and many national civil rights gains and legislation were either started or finished. It is a well known opinion shared by most political and civic leaders,”…as Mount Zion goes so does the Black Community… ” Briefly, Mount Zion’s divide was highly reported by most local media, including The Seattle Medium. Undoubtedly and unquestionably, this was a very difficult era that saw the departure of its former senior pastor and key church leaders that caused a major divide not just in the church membership and leadership but in the African American communities in general. Many families and long time friends were caught up in trying to decide and to determine how and where to continue their individual spiritual fulfillment, relationships and friendship. Families and friends often attend different religious institutions and churches. So their actions would appear to be nothing new or out of the norm. However, this was Mount Zion and Mount Zion has always been known as a close knit “rejoicing” church. And, yes, shock waves with individual rumors were vibrating throughout the community. As the senior and one of the most respected community spiritual leaders, Dr. McKinney took the helm and guided Mount Zion and the community – this was not just a church movement- back to spiritually safe waters without spreading harm to those that departed. As a matter of fact some would argue Dr. McKinney’s leadership and guidance enhanced both church groups as well as other institutions in the community and the community is better as a result. There is so much to be thankful for as Mount Zion Rejoices via introducing a new spiritual era with the installation of Rev. Aaron Williams. Many will attempt to compare Rev. Williams to Dr. McKinney or other local preachers. This would be an unwise comparison for the 39 year-old Rev. Aaron Williams, for Dr. McKinney is known as a living legend with more than 50 years of pastoral teaching and preaching. Rev. Williams, a humble and passionate minister, requested that Dr. McKinney be his mentor prior to accepting the call to shepherd the thousand plus active members at Mount Zion. Each called minister brings his or her spiritual brand of uniqueness so it is not about comparison, it is or rather it should be about saving souls and bringing people to God, particularly, in this huge un-churched area. Rev. Aaron Williams although youthful in appearance is well read and affectionately known as an ‘old soul’. Nevertheless, he brings a unique brand of preaching and teaching – a spiritually quiet humble demeanor filled with prayer, teaching and the word. Rev. Williams has only been at Mount Zion for two months but he is steadily preparing and continuing to “Let’s Mount Zion Rejoice” as God’s “house of prayer”. Continued prayer at Mount Zion is Williams’ top priority. This is spiritually wise and welcomed by many in the ongoing healing process of the well respected membership at Mount Zion, because prayers are the answer and God’s people will never go wrong with prayers. The installation week end should not be limited just to the past but to a new era of spiritual rejoicing. The Installation Committee has packed the weekend with spiritual rejoicing celebrations for Rev. Aaron Williams, a native of Augusta, Ga. Williams is a Paine College (Augusta, Ga.) and Dallas Theology Seminary (Dallas, Texas.) graduate. He is married to Michelle Watkins-Williams of Augusta, Ga. Installation Weekend – Saturday and Sunday – Activities Mount Zion’s installation weekend is expected to attract friends, families, guests and religious leaders from all over the country. The installation weekend Kick Off begins with a huge Banquet (sold out, according to a committee spokesperson) on Sat., July 19 starting at 6 PM in Mount Zion’s Jesse Shield Fellowship Hall with Rev. Robert Duckworth keynote speaker from Dallas, TX; the 7:30AM Worship Service will be preached by Rev. Aaron Gaddis of Dallas, TX.; 10:45AM Worship Service with Rev. Leonard Leach, Senior Pastor of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, of Garland, Texas preaching. Rev. Leach will install Rev. Williams at the 3:00 PM Installation Service in the Mount Zion Sanctuary. Mount Zion Baptist Church is located on the corner of 19th Ave and Madison Street in Seattle, Washington. For additional information call the church office at 206 – 322-6500 or visit Mount Zion’s website: www.mountzion.netThe Famous, the Infamous, the Lame