First Mount Zion Baptist Church - (703) 670-0184

First Mount Zion serves the spiritual needs of the people of Prince William County, VA and the greater Northern Virginia region.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church was organized in 1867 in Stafford County, Virginia with 30 members. In 1873, the Church body separated into two congregations after a dispute over the location for a new site. Under court arbitration, one congregation was named First Mount Zion and the other retained the name of Mount Zion.

In 1947 First Mount Zion relocated to its present location, in Dumfries, after the War Department incorporated the land (Quantico Marine Corps Base) upon which the Church occupied. Initially, worshipservices were held only once a month, later twice a month and in 1965 services were held every Sunday.

In 1962, Rev. Augustus Thomas Gaskins accepted the Church's call as Pastor and served for 33 years until June 1995. He was elevated to the newly established position of Pastor Emeritus.

In June 1995, the Church called the Rev. Dr. Luke E. Torian as their first full-time pastor. Under Pastor Torian's leadership, the membership of First Mount Zion Baptist Church grew steadily and now exceeds3,400 members. Dr. Torian's service to FMZ has been highlighted by many significant accomplishments. Specifically, he was instrumental in helping the membership embrace God's vision.

Under his leadership, the church has grown from 650 members to a congregation of over 4000 members. This growth has led to the development of approximately 70 different ministries that operate in anew multi-million dollar 108,000 square foot sanctuary and multi-purpose facility. Under Dr. Torian’s leadership, First Mount Zion Baptist Church adopted its mission statement: “To Connect People Who Have a Desire To Become Fully Devoted Followers of Jesus Christ”.

Vision: “Sharing the Light: From the Promise, to Pentecost, to Points Around the World.”

Tags: Religious Organization,Baptist Church