In 1929, the city of Philadelphia and the Mantua community was changed forever when
Second Mount Zion Baptist church
came into existence. Rev. E.D. Evans was the organizing pastor of the small, yet God-fearing, congregation that gathered at 39th and Reno Streets. In 1935, Rev. King James Carter became the second pastor of the numerically small, but divinely-destined, church whose seven member congregation primarily consisted of church officers. During Rev. Carter's pastorate, the church building was moved to a smaller building located at Warren and Sloane Streets. The master plan that God had in store for Second Mount Zion Baptist Church slowly began to be unveiled. Membership grew liberally, and the church had to move several times in order to accommodate the members of the congregation. So it was first off to Union and Reno Streets, then to 37th & Melon Streets in 1937. In 1938, the church building relocated again to 36th & Brandywine Streets. However, there was one more move left. Under Rev. K.J. Carter's leadership two adjacent, two-story houses located at 3814 and 3816 Parrish Street became the new location for Second Mount Zion Baptist Church and our present church home. Rev. Carter, who was known as a kind, well-loved, and outstanding leader, continued to serve faithfully until he was called home to be with the Lord in 1969.
 In 1969, Rev. Joshua Grove II became the third pastor of Second Mount Zion. He served at this branch of Zion until1973. Under his leadership the church continued to prosper and grow. The fourth pastor of Second Mount Zion was Rev. James E. Patterson. Under his leadership, the church building was expanded and a third building 3818 Parrish Street was added to the sanctuary. While Rev. Patterson was pastor, membership grew, resulting in over 150 persons joining by way of baptism, Christian experience or Christian restoration. Ministries such as the K.J. Carter Educational Fund Ministry, the Hospitality Ministry, and, the Nurses Ministry were established so that Second Mount Zion could further carry out the will of God. After completing the work that the Lord had for him to do at Second Mount Zion Rev. Patterson retired in 1985.
 In 1986, the ministry of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Mantua Community was altered forever. That year brought in a new pastor, our very own Rev. James Moore, Sr. Rev. Moore hit the ground running, bringing biblically-sound principles to bear in the organization and ministry of Second Mount Zion. He brought a sense of reverence for and obedience to the word of God. Since that time, there has been continual growth in membership, education, ministries, administration, renovation, and most importantly, spirituality. Efforts have been set in place to provide for-ongoing opportunities for Christian education and spiritual growth. A surge of new individuals joining over the past several years has inspired Rev. Moore to establish the Church Orientation Ministry so that new members might have a sound Christian foundation. New members are expected to complete a 10-week orientation class that teaches everything from church ordinances and biblical principles to the problem church and bible structure.
 In order to meet a recurring need, Pastor Moore has also instituted the Retention Ministry, which consists of dedicated and committed disciples who offer themselves as locks upon the revolving backdoor of Second Mount Zion. Under the esteemed leadership of Pastor Moore, Christ-centered, bible-based ministries have been implemented, so that the Great Commission may be fulfilled. Moreover, every ministry leader is required to undergo continuous Christian education training through activities such as conferences, in-house seminars, church school, bible study, and teacher's review classes. As for the church aesthetics, various types of remodeling have taken place and another building next to the church was obtained, renovated, and made into the annex building along with a church parking lot.
 Pastor Moore, along with his dedicated team of deacons, trustees, and ministry leaders have been steadily moving ahead in a smooth, progressive way, ministering to the needs of the congregation. Through the vision and strength of the Holy Spirit of God as imparted to Pastor Moore, Second Mount Zion carries out its mission, which is to introduce Jesus to the world as Lord and Savior, so that lost souls may be saved. Pastor Moore will continue to lead the church in a direction that lifts people from membership to discipleship in efforts to restructure for a more effective ministry.
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