Established Since 1903
To become a Christ-centered church that seeks to develop the highest spiritual maturity of its believers, and see that maturity displayed in the corporate and private worship of its members, as well as, in their daily living and in their continual interaction with others. Moreover, through the anointing of His Spirit, the empowerment of true worship and the systematic teaching of the Christian Education Curriculum (CEC), all believers will realize their full potential in Christ, and seek to live a victorious life that impacts their environment, as they anxiously await the return of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
To reach the lost and reclaim the backslider by effectively promoting the gospel message of Christ, in words and in deeds: To facilitate the spiritual growth of each believer through Christ-centered worship and Bible-based teaching in an atmosphere of Christian love and fellowship: To build-up the surrounding communities by fostering Christian-based social-economic and educational initiatives that address the needs of the whole person while actively reflecting the abundant love of Christ.
For the Zion Wall FWB Church Family, the Logo of the "Ark of the Covenant" and the "Cross" expresses the twofold covenant relationship between God and His Son (Jesus), and between God
and humanity, which we believe serves as the foundation for the Christian Faith. First, what is a "covenant?" A covenant is a binding agreement (a promise) between two parties to perform some action or rendering of service. The two parties can be on equal footing, or one party can be vastly superior to the other.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see God establishing a covenant relationship with various individuals, e.g., Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc. One covenant, in particular, is God's promise to commune with His people and allow His people to come before His presence; this is clearly conveyed by the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). Next, in Hebrews 8:6, the Bible presents a "new covenant" to which it christens, "a better covenant established upon better promises." This new and better covenant is represented by the "cross." It is in the symbol of the cross that we see the agreement between God the Father and God the Son - that Jesus would give His life as a ransom for fallen humanity to redeem mankind from sin (John 3:16-17; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). Subsequently, we also see in the symbol of the cross the promise made between Christ and fallen humanity - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved"(Romans 10:9). Therefore we understrand that through the symbol of the "Ark of the Covenant" and the symbol of the "Cross," God through Christ has established a covenant relationship with us, which allows all believers to experience the glory of His abiding presence forever. How marvelous and wonderful are the works of God through Christ Jesus our Lord.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them, then He adds, Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more"(Hebrews 10:16-17, New King James Version, NKJV).
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25, NKJV).
During the early months of 1903, a small rural band of faithful believers conceived the idea of forming a mission in order to have weekly Prayer Meetings and Bible Study. This group selected an old, one-room, farmhouse near Zion Wall School, in Linden, North Carolina, as their gathering place. As an outgrowth of this humble beginning, Zion Wall Free Will Baptist (FWB) Church was organized. As a result of the rapid growth, the leaders were soon forced to seek another building that would accommodate the larger congregation. A second house was secured and moved two miles north of the original site where the church currently stands. Multiple renovations have occurred over the years, and the present structure stands as a testimony of God’s continual blessings.
Moreover, the church has a rich legacy of spiritual leaders. Some of the former Pastors were the Elders: Bonny Bethea, Thomas Barney, M.H. Lockamy, Dan McMillian, Handy McNeill, Abe Armstrong, Nelson Harrington, W.F. Cox, J.C. Murphy, G.D. McNeill, Jr., Alex Walker (assistant Pastor), L.T. Ford, Lonnie Campbell, M.C. Murphy, C.C. Alford, Abe Elliott, Jr., Odell Jones, and Roosevelt Hockaday. It is believed that under Elder Cox and Elder J.C. Murphy the church experienced its largest growth in membership, and during the tenure of Elder M.C. Murphy the church underwent one of its most significant improvements to the physical structure. In addition, under the leadership of the illustrious Elder Abe Elliott and the faithful Elder Odell Jones, measurable progress continued. Furthermore, within its rich history, Zion Wall has also shepherded the following Ministers of the Gospel: Ministers Burness King Bullock, Irene Campbell, Frances McNeill Harvey, David King, John Jones, Samuel Mckoy, Jon Murphy, Patrick Smith, Carrie Buie King, Janie McKeithan, Mollie Holden Smith, Laura King Griffin, Fredia Junious Corbin, Sr., Marilyn Jones, Jerry L. Jones, and Joseph Crosby.
Notwithstanding, in March 2006, God blessed Zion Wall with its present pastor, Elder Jerry L. Jones. When he accepted the pastorate, the church was in dire need of spiritual and emotional healing. Elder Jones understood the awesome situation and embraced the task of becoming the next pastor of Zion Wall Church. He lovingly accepted the challenge of restoring worship, love, peace and harmony among a hungry flock. He has given the church a renewed spiritual purpose and a collective mission: “To reach the lost and reclaim the backslider…To facilitate the spiritual growth of each believer…To build-up the surrounding communities…” Elder Jones began the healing process by focusing on a three-fold approach: proclamation, administration, and pastoral care. He has a dynamic way of leading the flock into the worship experience; his belief is that real worship is not a spectator sport, but an event that requires full participation of our whole being – body, soul, and spirit.
Under his leadership, the church has accomplished a number of significant projects, such as, renovation to the porch, front bathrooms and vestibule area, institution of a 3rd Sunday Worship Service, as well as the institution of the Feed-A-Family Ministry – partnering with Second Harvest of Fayetteville to distribute food items to more than 100 individuals monthly. Lastly, the church has embarked upon its most significant project yet, total renovation of the Sanctuary area and adding a metal roof to the church. For these rich blessing we are most thankful to God, and for the unwavering commitment of the Zion Wall Church Family.
In conclusion, Zion Wall’s history has been one of struggle through all manner of opposition; yet through God and the empowering of His Spirit, the church has always triumphed. Truly today, as the church moves forward under new leadership and with a renewed vision and mission, there will no doubt be several challenges that must be confronted; however, with God’s abiding love, Zion Wall will continue to triumph joyously through Christ Jesus. To the best of our knowledge this history is accurate: (Revised – November, 2023).
"But the word of the Lord endures forever..." 1 Peter 1:25
