The celebration of Orthodox Zion Primitive Baptist Church 43rd anniversary is a time for reflecting on the events and people that shaped its early history, and a time for anticipating the same hope and dedication that motivated its founders. It was through the visionary efforts and much prayer that the Lord Jesus Christ impressed upon the hearts of the past servants to establish a place of worship, a place of refuge, and a place of deliverance for those in need of spiritual help and guidance.
Orthodox had its beginning in 1963 under the leadership of Elder William Henry Arnold. The original church site was located at 909 3rd Street West Palm Beach, Florida. Elder Arnold’s vision for the church was spiritual unity and accountability. By having faith in God, seven men were ordained as Elders, seventeen were ordained as Deacons, and twenty-five women were appointed as Mother/Deaconess. Elder Arnold served as Pastor for twenty-four years until January 9, 1987 when he laid down his sword for his crown in glory.
As another chapter unfolded, the Lord continued to bless Orthodox abundantly. In May 1987, it was sanctioned by God and agreed by the members to fulfill Elder Arnold’s vision and called Minister James H. Chester to serve as Pastor. November 29, 1987, Minister Chester was ordained as an Elder by the East Florida Primitive Baptist Association in Bartow, Florida. Under the leadership of Elder Chester, nine men served as Ministers, eight were ordained as Deacons, and seventeen women appointed as Mothers.
In 1992, the Lord led Elder Chester to 4.8 acres of land. In 1993, the property was purchased. On January 30, 1994, ground breaking ceremony was held and construction began April 1994. The current multipurpose worship facility was completed in January 1995. The first church service was held in February and was dedicated on March 26, 1995. Although many stumbling blocks and pitfalls were encountered Elder Chester’s example of endurance was just a sample of the dedication found throughout the church to accomplish a goal that was merely a dream years ago.
With Elder Chester’s excitement and enthusiasm„Ÿthat only comes through God’s grace, guidance and true obedience to the Holy Spirit, the members latched on to his undying vision. In March 2004, a six thousand square foot addition was completed, which houses a fellowship hall and six classrooms.
The following ministries were established under the leadership of Elder Chester:
Audio, Awana, Building, Benevolent, Child Development, Children, Couples, Discipleship, Education, Evangelism Explosion, Financial, Hospitality, Kingdom Focus Prayer, Matrons, Men’s, Music, Nutrition, Overcomers, Pastoral Care, Prison, Seniors, Social Services, Spiritual Gift, Stephen, Tutoring, Usher, Women’s, Youth and Zion Praise Ensemble Choir.
Since its early beginnings, God has blessed Orthodox with solid growth both spiritually and numerically. We are certain that with God’s continued blessings and the leadership of our Pastor we will continue to serve the people of God wholeheartedly and communicate biblical truths to our community. We praise God for the mighty works He has done. We thank and praise God for a Pastor with vision and GREAT faith! The Lord continues to add souls to the church and the people of God are growing through the word of God, by Standing Firm In God’s Faith.
Come and experience the atmosphere of the glory of God!!
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