115 Years of Faith, Service, and God's Faithfulness
Since 1910, Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and service in the New Orleans community. Through triumphs, tragedy, rebuilding, and renewal, one truth has remained constant—God has been faithful.
A Legacy Begins (1910)
Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1910 under the leadership of Rev. Henry Clay Williams, laying the foundation for a ministry that would impact generations.
Growing Through Every Season
Our first sanctuary was built in 1926 on Eagle Street but was tragically destroyed by fire in 1930. Undeterred, the congregation worshiped in a temporary sanctuary until 1948, when a third church was constructed.
When the City of New Orleans acquired the Fern Street property for the expansion of Earhart Boulevard, Little Zion once again embraced change, temporarily worshiping with St. Joseph Baptist Church before relocating to 3231 Audubon Street in 1954.
Building for the Future
Under faithful leadership, the church continued to grow:
- 1985 – A beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God.
- 1996 – The church celebrated the retirement of its building debt with a joyful Note Burning Ceremony.
Faith Through the Storm
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the church. Before repairs could begin, a tornado in 2006 caused additional destruction.
Even in the midst of disaster, worship never stopped. Services continued with Sunlight Baptist Church before returning to Little Zion's Multi-Purpose Building on Earhart Boulevard.
A New Beginning
On March 28, 2015, church members, friends, architects, builders, and community leaders gathered to break ground for the rebuilding of Little Zion.
Less than a year later, on March 6, 2016, the congregation celebrated "The Dawn of a New Chapter," returning home to 3231 Audubon Street in a powerful dedication service celebrating God's faithfulness.
The church also expanded its ministry through live-streaming and social media, allowing worship to reach members near and far.
Serving Beyond the Sanctuary
Throughout its history, Little Zion has remained committed to ministry beyond its walls by establishing and expanding:
- Evangelism Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Choirs and Music Ministry
- Nurses Guild
- Mid-Day Ushers
- Transportation Ministry
- Fitness Ministry
- Open-Air Revivals
- Vacation Bible School
- Community Outreach Programs
The church also acquired additional property, expanded parking, renovated its Multi-Purpose Building, purchased transportation vehicles, and continually invested in serving both its congregation and the surrounding community.
Pastoral Leadership
For more than a century, God has blessed Little Zion through faithful shepherds:
- Rev. Henry Clay Williams (1910–1916)
- Rev. R. L. Land (1917–1921)
- Rev. Sidney G. A. Payne (1922–1949)
- Rev. Jessie James Carter, Jr. (1949–1964)
- Rev. Roosevelt Bryant, Jr. (1965–1969)
- Rev. Henry Lee Galloway (1970–1971)
- Rev. Walter Hardy, Jr. (1971–2024)
- Rev. Aaron Miller (2026 - current)
For more than five decades, Rev. Walter Hardy, Jr. faithfully led Little Zion through seasons of tremendous growth, devastating loss, rebuilding, and renewed vision. His ministry left an enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God's people.
On August 9, 2024, the Lord called Pastor Hardy home to glory. While deeply mourned, his legacy continues to inspire the Little Zion family as the church prayerfully seeks the next shepherd God has prepared.
Continuing the Mission
In 2025, Little Zion celebrated several significant milestones, including:
- Joint Vacation Bible School with Nazareth Baptist Church
- Installation of a new Board of Trustees
- Ordination of Minister John Selvage
- Serving as Host Church for the Louisiana Baptist State Convention and Congress of Christian Education
115 Years Strong
On July 27, 2025, Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church joyfully celebrated 115 years of continuous ministry, honoring God's faithfulness across generations.
Through every challenge, every victory, and every new beginning, one declaration continues to define our story:
"Yet Still, We Rise."
As we celebrate our rich heritage, we look forward with faith, believing that God is still writing the next chapter of Little Zion's remarkable story.