Pastoral leadership · A living legacy
Called to shepherd.
Faithful to serve.
We give thanks for the pastors and ministers who have nurtured Mount Zion across generations—and for the calling that continues today.
Senior Pastor · Mount Zion Baptist Church
A new chapter
Leading with faith.
Serving with love.
Elected by the congregation in March 2026, Pastor Johnson brings a lifelong commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing believers, and reaching people through prayer and service.
His ministry has included pastoral leadership in Texas and Los Angeles, international fellowship, and work in Christian education. He and his wife, Virna L. Johnson, affectionately known as First Lady V, share a long partnership in ministry.
Read his full biographyShared ministry
Many voices. One calling.
Mount Zion’s associate ministers support the church’s life of preaching, teaching, prayer, and service.
- Reverend R. Marthel Barlow
- Reverend Dr. Phyllis R. Beaumonte
- Reverend Paul R. Edwards
- Reverend Dr. Patricia L. Hunter
- Reverend Dr. Julie L. Vaughn
- Minister Nathaniel R. Miles
- Minister David B.C. Taylor
- Minister Edward L. Jackson
For pastoral care or to connect with a minister, please contact the church office.
Pastoral legacy
Remembering those who led.
Historical portraits from the church’s collection honor the pastors whose service helped shape Mount Zion.
1912–1925
Rev. W. D. Carter
A period of growth and the move to 19th Avenue and Madison.
1925–1932
Rev. J. Sterling Moore
Continued the church’s work of community engagement and stewardship.
1932–1939
Rev. Taylor M. Davis
Part of Mount Zion’s pastoral leadership in the 1930s.
1940–1942
Rev. Fountain W. Penick
Led during a period of organizing and expansion.
1942–1954
Rev. F. Benjamin Davis
Strengthened Christian education, music, and family participation.
1955–1957
Rev. Gil B. Lloyd
Supported the building fund, music, and women’s work.
1957–1958 · Interim
Rev. Rex Jones
Provided leadership during a pastoral transition.
1958–1998 · 2005–2008
Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney
Pastor Emeritus; a defining voice in faith, education, and civil rights.
1998–1999 · Interim
Rev. Dr. M. Samuel Pinkston
Provided spiritual guidance during the search for a permanent pastor.
1999–2005
Rev. Dr. Leslie David Braxton
Expanded Christian education and youth programming.
2008–2017
Rev. Aaron Williams
Emphasized teaching, fellowship, and reconciliation.
2018–2020 · Interim
Rev. James O. Stallings
Served as Interim Pastor Specialist.
January–July 2023 · Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. Patricia L. Hunter
Also coordinated worship as Interim Minister of Worship during 2020–2022.
2023–2024
Rev. Dr. Paris Lee Smith, Sr.
Affirmed by the congregation in June 2023.
Portraits and service history: Mount Zion’s pastoral and church-history records. Rev. Dr. Hunter’s 2020–2022 worship leadership and January–July 2023 interim pastorate are distinct roles. The City of Seattle also documents Dr. McKinney’s two periods of service.
The early years · 1890–1910
The first chapters of leadership.
- Rev. Austin Anderson1890
- Rev. Calvin Williams1894
- Rev. Simons1894
- Rev. R. W. Jenerson1896
- Rev. J. C. Pegram1897
- Rev. Eugene Harris1898
- Rev. B. G. Prince1899
- Rev. Gordon McPherson1901–1903
- Rev. George Maney1906
- Rev. Walker1907
- Rev. Wiggins1908
- Rev. R. H. Thomas1908–1910
Names and dates follow the church’s early pastoral roster. Additional early ministers appear in the church’s historical narrative.
Follow the church’s storyCome hear the Word.
Join Mount Zion for Sunday worship, or contact the church for prayer and pastoral care.