Historical Journey from
Zion to Glory

Pillar of Glory Christian Tabernacle evolved from a major revolution through the mighty hand of God. The history of it’s beginning is necessary because it demonstrates how the hand of God can revive something once considered by many as no earthly good and transformed it to a tower of strength for those who are damaged and hurt by the ills of society and sins of their hand.

In the beginning….

It was in the heat of the summer, June 1970, when a few of God’s chosen decided to gather of the fragments of a broken body of believers formerly members of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, and organize Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The founding officers were Sister Rosa Moore, President of Senior Mission (served faithfully until her health prevented her attendance), the late Deacon Leodis Barnes (Chairman of Deacon Board), and Sister Annie V. Barnes (Usher Board President), Sister Georgia Jenkins, along with all her children, the late Sister Annie Mae Deaver, and Sister Edna M. Taylor and their children.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church experienced many struggles in their effort to keep the church as an organized body in Christ. The major struggle was that of keeping a leader to lead the body from 1970 through 1979, In order of their period of ministration the leaders were Reverend Pervis Collins (1970-1971), Reverend Mosel Darthard (1972-1973), Reverend R. Rollins (1974-1977), Reverend O. M. Banks (1977-19798) and Reverend L. Joseph (1978-1979).

Faced with disheartening truth that they were once again without a leader in 1979, Mother Rosa Moore sought the face of God and asked Him for a leader that would stand this test of endurance and lead His people to victory. Rosa believed God and in the power of prayer. Many times she opened the church doors hoping the members would come. But the grim reality was that it was often only she along to give praise to God. Yet, she took courage and sang a hymn, prayed, and reminded God of His word towards her. Rosa never renounced her belief and continued this work alone for one full year.

His church under his pastor, Reverend V. L. Parker. Rosa phoned the church members and told them to come on Sunday because she had a promise from God that this was the “chosen vessel.” Reverend Amos York, Sr. was contacted and asked to report to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and deliver a message to the congregation. She reported to me that when she saw him, her heart convicted her that he was the one and that all was well.

“New Birth: First Mt. Zion Baptist Church”
In August of 1980, Amos York Sr. became the new pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He eagerly accepted the challenge with a warm heart and burst of energy that struck the attention of many that heard of his good works. The first service consisted of his wife, his five sons Michael, Terrence, Johnny, Delbert, and Amos Jr., Sister Rosa Moore, Sister Georgia Jenkins and her three sons the late Jimmy Jenkins, Brendan Jenkins, and Christopher Jenkins, and Sister Annie Mae Deaver and Deacon Dockery.

“Going to Our New Edifice"
June 17, 1984, 2:45 p.m. denoted the grand celebration of dedicated work. Pastor York led the entry service march from 3216 Omega Street to our new facility at 1331 East 32 ½ Street. Marching at the head of the ceremonial march was Pastor York and family, Pastor Clyde Bailey, Dr. V. L. Parker, Sister Rosa Moore. It was a day of victory as now more than 55 families marched over to our new “Zion” with a shout of praise and victory to an awesome God.

Evangelizing the Holy Ghost, Breaking the Yokes in Houston
~~~ Crusade 87’ ~~~

Pastor York was given a vision to organize the “Voice of Zion Crusade,” herein after called “Crusade 87’.” This crusade involved many dynamic men of God (Bishop H. M. Bolden, Pastor W. Cooper, Prophet Billy Sanders, Pastor L. C. Rogers, Elder John Cherry, Elder Rufus Kyles and Pastor Homer Green). The result of the crusade was phenomenal in the spiritual development and transformation of the leaders involved, visitors, and the flocks of these great churches.

“A Teaching Ministry”
Pastor York has always believed in a sound teaching ministry. He began conducting teaching seminars with the assistance of Pastor Cecil Reed.

“Continued Growth – A New Facility & Name”
Pillar of Glory Christian Tabernacle
By 1990 they realized the need for more space. The question arose as to whether they should add on to the present church or relocate to another site. In July 1990, Pastor York visited a church located on 5609 Mt. Houston Road. He had heard that the church was for sale. When he entered the building the spirit of the Lord spoke and said, “This is your building.” Several days later another minister phoned Pastor York to tell him that the spirit of the Lord had spoken to him and said that the building on Mt. Houston Road belongs to First Mt. Zion. This was the initial birth of Pillar of Glory Christian Tabernacle. For many months services were conducted at both sanctuaries. First Mt. Zion also was used as an Outreach Center for the neighborhood. Pastor York conducted Sunday services at First Mt. Zion until he assigned associate pastors, Michael York and Richard McKinsey to assist with conducting services. A newfound friendship with Pastor Bret Jones of Mt. Houston Pentecostal Church was established during this period of transition. Together they designed a financial package that afforded the move to take place.

“The Visions Continue”
Pastor York has shared his visions for the ministry with all he meets and serves. They are to establish a daycare, recreational center, private school, world outreach center, and a Bible College.

In August 1994 during a Founders service the Holy Spirit spoke to Bishop York the name “Pillar of Glory Christian Tabernacle” and assured him that. The First Mt. Zion era was over and we were to return to 1331 E. 32 ½ to finish the work he had called us to as we begin to obey God, God began to bless us. God began to unfold the vision to us. A Bible College, A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, A Child Development Center, An Assisted Living Center for the elderly, A Unwed Mother Center, A World Hunger Center, A Christian School.

A new edifice that will seat 2500 to 5200 members. We hope to do this by the Year of 2006.