Our Story

A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Community

The history of Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church is a story of faith, perseverance, service, and commitment to the Danbury community. For more than a century, Mount Pleasant has served as a place of worship, fellowship, education, outreach, and hope for generations of families.

Our Beginnings: 1889

Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church was organized in 1889, when the Reverend Munzingo was sent by the New England Conference to conduct missionary work in the Danbury area.

At the time, the African American population of Danbury was relatively small. After surveying the community, Rev. Munzingo organized worship services on Sunday evenings. The first services were held in a home on Cherry Street, and for a time, worship continued from home to home as the congregation grew.

Eventually, the congregation rented a place of worship on Liberty Street. The property was later purchased and converted into a house of worship. Unfortunately, because of limited support and participation, the congregation eventually lost the property.

The members persevered. Worship services were subsequently held in the loft of the Barnum Grain Store on Main Street. During this period, the congregation purchased property on South Street with the intention of constructing a church. However, the congregation encountered resistance in its efforts to build there.

A transaction was eventually arranged with a real estate firm in Brookfield, through which the South Street property was exchanged for property on Rowan Street. This new location would become the longtime home of Mount Pleasant.

Building on Rowan Street

The men and women of Mount Pleasant immediately began the work of preparing the new property for construction. Through their labor, sacrifice, and determination, a church building was completed on Rowan Street by 1908.

The church was officially dedicated on September 22, 1909, under the pastorate of Rev. A.S. Tolbert. At the time, Bishop Walters served as the Presiding Prelate of the New England Conference, and Rev. Ball served as Presiding Elder of the district.

Over its first 75 years, Mount Pleasant was blessed by the leadership of many faithful pastors, including:

• Rev. Shockley
• Rev. George Biddle
• Rev. Gibson
• Rev. Munzingo
• Rev. M.M. Smith
• Rev. J.W. Holmes
• Rev. Mimms
• Rev. Green
• Rev. Gant
• Rev. Brockett
• Rev. McDougal
• Rev. Holloway
• Rev. Leroy Montgomery
• Rev. Leslie G. Lawson

A New Sanctuary

After more than five decades of ministry, the original church building was razed in November 1964 to make way for a new sanctuary. Bishop Stephen Gill Spottswood presided over the groundbreaking services.

Under the leadership of Rev. Leslie G. Lawson, one of the outstanding pastors in Mount Pleasant's history, the congregation entered its new sanctuary for its first worship service on December 16, 1965. The official opening took place on May 8, 1966, and the cornerstone was laid on October 30, 1966.

Rev. Lawson was also deeply involved in the civic life of Danbury, particularly through his work with the Ministerial Alliance, reflecting Mount Pleasant's longstanding commitment to serving not only its congregation but the wider community.

The 1970s: Growth, Youth, and Ministry

In 1969, Rev. Arthur John Parker was appointed pastor of Mount Pleasant. During his tenure, he initiated the church's first annual Church Anniversary Celebration, held April 5 to 12, 1970.

The church also continued to expand its ministry to the community. The dining hall was renovated by the Action Day Care Center to accommodate the church's food service program. The construction work was completed by Mr. Bill Oliver and Mr. Sam Neville.

Later in 1970, Rev. Leroy Robert Blair became pastor. Rev. Blair placed particular emphasis on the children and youth of the congregation, establishing educational and recreational programs designed to nurture the next generation. During his tenure, the Junior Choir was organized, and the front structure of the church was renovated.

Rev. Blair also continued Mount Pleasant's tradition of civic engagement and was active in the political and community affairs of Danbury.

The Dumas Years: Renewed Zeal

In 1973, Bishop Herbert Bell Shaw, the Presiding Prelate, appointed Rev. Leounidas Reed Dumas as pastor. Rev. Dumas arrived in Danbury with his wife, Lillye, and daughter, Beverly, on August 17, 1973.

Under Rev. Dumas' leadership, several ministries and organizations were established or revitalized. These included the Stewardess Board, Men's Chorus, and Lay Council. The Junior Choir, Buds of Promise, and Young Women's Department of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society were also strengthened.

The changes taking place throughout the church brought renewed energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to both the congregation and the surrounding community.

The Hooker Years: Growth and Outreach

In 1978, Rev. William James Hooker assumed the pastorate of Mount Pleasant. His leadership guided the congregation on what was described as a steady, Christ-centered course.

During Rev. Hooker's 15 years of service, Mount Pleasant experienced significant growth and physical development. Improvements were made throughout the church and parsonage, including a new roof and vinyl siding. The church also purchased a 15-passenger van to support its ministries.

First Lady Mrs. Doris Hooker spearheaded the effort to fence the church property, further improving the church campus.

In 1986, Mount Pleasant acquired additional property consisting of a three-family residential unit adjacent to the church. The acquisition allowed the church to expand its parking facilities. A handicapped-accessible ramp was also installed, making the church more accessible to members and visitors.

The church's commitment to outreach grew significantly during this period. Beginning in 1987, Mount Pleasant developed community outreach ministries that provided transportation and personal care services for senior citizens. The program eventually expanded to include a food pantry, health information, and health screenings conducted in one of Danbury's housing complexes.

Rev. Hooker's 15 years of service left a lasting impact on Mount Pleasant and the wider Danbury community. He retired from the New England Conference in May 1993.

The Roderick Years: Investing in the Future

Following Rev. Hooker's retirement, Rev. Mark John Roderick, Sr. was appointed pastor of Mount Pleasant at the 1993 Annual Conference by Bishop George Washington Carver Walker, Sr.

During Rev. Roderick's tenure, the congregation continued to invest in its physical facilities and future. Mount Pleasant acquired an additional two-family apartment house, and additional parking spaces were created on the property.

The church parsonage underwent an extensive renovation, from the cellar to the roof, including the construction of a new section that provided additional living space. Through careful financial stewardship, the cost of the parsonage renovation was paid in full, reducing a planned twenty-year mortgage to just nine years.

Continuing the Legacy

In 2010, Rev. Lloyd W. McKenzie Jr. was appointed pastor of Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church at the New England Annual Conference by the Right Rev. George E. Battle, Jr. Rev. McKenzie faithfully served the congregation until June 2014, when he was elevated to serve as Presiding Elder of the Boston District.

Following Rev. McKenzie's appointment as Presiding Elder, Bishop Mildred Hines appointed Rev. Terrance Jones as pastor. Rev. Jones served Mount Pleasant faithfully until October 2016.

Rev. Quavon Newton followed Rev. Jones and brought renewed life and energy to the congregation and its ministries.

Once Rev. Newton elevated to the pastorate of the historic Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Queens, New York, Bishop Dennis V. Proctor appointed the Rev. L. Christopher Lewis as pastor of Mount Pleasant in June 2019. While leading the congregation through the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Lewis led the congregation in spiritual care, physical plant updates and a renewed community presence. Under his leadership, the sanctuary was completely renovated, the church offices were completely renovated. New roofs were placed on the income properties. The parsonage was renovated and a new furnace purchased.

These projects, along with numerous additional improvements, reflect a continued commitment to preserving the church's physical assets for future generations.

Beyond the physical improvements, Rev. Lewis has worked to bring renewed life, energy, and vision to the congregation while strengthening Mount Pleasant's presence within the greater Danbury community and throughout the state of Connecticut. His pastorate represents another chapter in the enduring legacy of Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church, building upon the faith, sacrifice, and dedication of those who came before him while preparing the church for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

As Mount Pleasant continues its journey, the congregation remains committed to its historic mission of worship, service, and community engagement, carrying forward a legacy of Love | Service | Community that has endured for generations.