Rising Zion Baptist Church was organized and named by our present Spiritual leader and advisor, Pastor Theodore D. Addison, Sr.
Under humble circumstances and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Theodore D. Addison, Sr. and several families came together on April 2, 1978, to organize Rising Zion Baptist Church at the home of Sister Evelyn Lifford at 5118 Craig Avenue.
In accordance with Acts Chapter 6, deacons were chosen and officers were elected.
Rising Zion received Spiritual encouragement as well as gifts and donations from many supporters. These gifts helped purchase the church's organ, hymnals, and other church necessities. Rising Zion's first communion was held on May 7, 1978, with the assistance of the late Rev. Sylvester Short.
Pastor Addison was licensed at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church under the late Rev. Eugene T. Grove, and was ordained at New Mount Sinai Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. Ernest Flowers on October 15, 1978 through Open Bible Baptist Church.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Flowers helped the congregation meet the need for a larger building by offering the use of our second church home with other essentials at 1226 North Bradford Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The congregation in full agreement with Pastor Addison voted to move to 1226 North Bradford Street on February 4, 1979.
On April 4, 1984, Rising Zion was granted the deed for two lots of land located in the 2300 block of Llewelyn Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21213. This land was purchased to build a house of worship where the gospel of Jesus Christ would be proclaimed
Rising Zion held its Groundbreaking Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on September 22, 1991, at 2300 Llewelyn Avenue with many supporters in attendance. The Church was completed for occupancy on November 20, 1992. Led by our visionary, Pastor Addison, Rising Zion marched into its new edifice on Sunday November 22, 1992, at 10:00 a.m. with a crowd of supporters with us once again. In May of 2001, by the grace of God, we were able to burn the mortgage on our present church building and prepare for the extension of the same.
Rising Zion is a "Bible believing and Bible teaching" Church with the purpose of advancing the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Rising Zion will seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, the preaching of the Gospel, consistent Christian living by its members, personal evangelism, missionary endeavors, and Christian education.
To date, five ministers have been licensed by Rising Zion Baptist Church to preach the Gospel, and 13 deacons have been ordained, led by the Holy Spirit to aid in the care of God's church. Currently, there are thirteen active church ministries:
- Deacons Ministry
- Deaconess Ministry
- Trustee/Finance Ministry
- Board of Christian Education
- Sunday School Department
- Youth Ministry
- Hospitality/Courtesy Guild
- Missionary Ministry
- Music Ministry
- Usher's Ministry
- Pastor's Aide Ministry
- Nurses Ministry
- Christian Dance Ministry
The Lord is truly working in our midst, building His church in His own time.
