Oden after the sudden death and home-going of our beloved pastor, the Late Bishop Andrew Ford, Sr. Being obedient and submissive to the leading of the Lord and to decrease contention between brethren, it was necessary for the assembly to separate as scripted of Abraham and Lot. Walking away in the shadow of greg and bowed heads, we left Highway Church of Christ- Germantown Avenue, not knowing wher
e we would worship. He favorably blessed Elder Oden to secure a place of worship for His people the following week. Elder Oden went out prayerfully looking for somewhere to house the flock of God with only $300.00 in his pocket as he drove down Broad St. Amazingly, God had a realtor who took Elder Oden's need and Godly petition to heart and directed him to our first location, at 6329 N. Broad St in Philadelphia; ironically the site of the "Ugly Duckling" Car Rental. We were so happy that God allowed us to obtain a place, we didn't care that is was called the "Ugly Duckling". We just wanted a place to have church and dance before the Lord as David danced. Well, the Lord blessed us to have our first service on Easter ( Resurrection Sunday) Aprll 11, 1993. Let me tell you, we had a glorious time in that place, until even the children danced before the Lord. We joyfully encompassed the joy of the Lord. He had turned our mourning into dancing and our sorrows into gladness. We were on one accord in mind body and spirit. Wondrously, within 18 months, we had saved up enough money to purchase St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church at 3801-37 North Broad St. in Philadelphia. Devoted to the service of the Lord, cognizant to the growth of the growth of the church and the need in the community, quickly we pursued and engaged in the development and opening of Mt. Zion Apostolic Church Daycare and After School Program, Jerry's Angels Hair Salon, Mt. Zion Community Educational Center, and Mt. Zion Food Cupbaord under the administration of First Lady Dorothy Oden. Through these services many adults and children became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ; residents living in the Nicetown-Tioga section of Philadelphia became employed and employable; many adults gained their General Education Degree (GED); countless children entered the daycare as toddlers- some noe graduating from high school; and many ladies walked away with fabulous hair styles created bt the anointed hair stylists in our hair salon. Due to unstable economic times that impacted our families and church operations, we collectively decided to sell 3801-37 N. Broad St and downsize t an economically friendly and manageable location. After 30 days of prayer and fasting, on January 30, 2004, God sent a millionaire to our door who asked "would you like to sell this church? I'll give you cash". God had answered our prayers. Without delay, we went to settlement and sold the property, and as God had directed, we gave every member of our congregation a cash distribution from the sale of the property to thank each member for their untiring perseverance and steadfastness in the house of the Lord. For a short time, as we prayed, researched real estate potentials, and sought out what was the best fit for our congregational need, we met weekly at North American Motor Inn, 444 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia. On November 21, 2007, at the dispensation of time, we found a location at 3507 N. Howard St. God blessed us to purchase and begin renovations of the former machine and print shop into a House of Prayer for All People. On June 23, 2013, the church was officially dedicated, and today serves not only as our House of Worship but as a landmark and testament of God's goodness to His people. We welcome you to join us in worship and make Mt. Zion your home as well!
