New Zion

The Apostolic message and the Pentecostal experience arrived in the Neshoba County Fork Road community in or around 1930. This message began in “the Fork,” as Reverend John McShae conducted services in local homes. Eventually, Roger Tolbert built the first brush arbor, marking the beginning of what would become New Zion UPC.

For quite some time, before any permanent building was erected, God sent anointed Pentecostal pioneers to minister to and encourage this fragile new work. Reverend Elgie Hall, Reverend Jim Matthews, Reverend Walter Ford, and other men and women preached, sang, and worshiped, establishing a strong foundation for a healthy church in the Fork community.

Sometime in the 1940s, the people of New Zion built a permanent church building that would serve both the church and the community for approximately thirty years. God continued to bless New Zion and sent outstanding preachers to lead the congregation. Among them were Reverend Clarence Reed, Reverend W. B. Miller, Reverend Walter Reed, Reverend J. D. Manos, Reverend Jack Thrasher, Reverend Cecil Harris, Reverend Larry Hill, Reverend John Brown, and Reverend Paul Matthews. Their contributions to the Fork community and to New Zion UPC were invaluable and deeply appreciated by the congregation.

In 1972, New Zion reached a turning point. The church was without a pastor, but God still had a plan and a special man in mind. On September 6, 1972, the congregation elected Reverend Brown Barrier as pastor of New Zion UPC. Shortly thereafter, Brother Barrier led the church in a building project, resulting in the construction of a new brick sanctuary. Brother Barrier led New Zion for the next twenty-eight years, until his retirement. He continued to be a highly respected and valued elder at New Zion until his passing in 2014. New Zion remains forever grateful for Reverend Brown Barrier’s leadership and for the blessings of God experienced during his pastoral tenure.

On January 1, 2001, following the retirement of Reverend Brown Barrier, the congregation elected Reverend Randall Dunaway as pastor of New Zion UPC. In 2004, New Zion built a new fellowship hall and Family Life Center, including new Sunday School facilities. In 2011, the church sanctuary was renovated and expanded. Under Brother Dunaway’s leadership, the church continues to experience growth, revival, and the blessings of the Lord.