about us

Zion Traveler was organized in Mamou, LA, in 1928. It was a wooden structure on the 1,300 block of Sixth Street, with fourteen members, pastored by the late Rev. E.D. Hudson. The following deceased men were deacons: Alsay Celestine, Gerard Celestine, Mayon Noel, Clabert Matthew, and John B, Simon. Services were held on the first Sunday of the month, and prayer meetings were held every Tuesday. Rev. Hudson pastored for two and a half years. Maintenance of the church records began in 1930.

 In 1931, the late Rev. Richard W. Nicholson became pastor. He pastored for two and a half years until the Lord called him from labor to reward. In 1934, the late Rev. Sam Crowder became pastor until his death in 1961. In 1962, Dr. Harry Julius Guilliam pastored the church until his death in 1980. Dr. Guilliam believed in having his sheep Bible fed and spiritually led by the Word of God. In 1970, he was instrumental in getting the cornerstone laid. During this same period, the church was remodeled and chartered. Dr. Guilliam was President of the Seventh District Missionary Baptist Association, Incorporated. He was instrumental in getting Christian Villa Nursing Home, which is located in Crowley, LA. Dr. Guilliam became ill in his pastorate and was assisted by his nephew, Dr. Cyrus V. Jackson for six years.

After Dr.Guilliam died in 1980, Dr. Jackson was called to pastor Zion Traveler. He pastored for one year. Under his leadership he started a Bible Study course. He brought tot our church a program entitled, “The Seven Utterances of Christ”. The church was without a pastor and the deacons invited Rev. Terry K. Anderson to preach on March 2, 1983. He was elected pastor and remained for approximately eight years until he was called to pastor the Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. According to Jeremiah 3:15, The Lord says,”And I will give you pastors according to mine own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

On May 28, 1991, God answered the prayers of the righteous and gave us His very elect, Rev. Allen W. Ben. He was officially installed as pastor on June 22, 1991. Pastor Allen W. Ben came in young and energetic and established the THEME: “The Church that Ministers, Compassionately to the Total Man”, and VISION STATEMENT: “Our Purpose at Zion Traveler is to honor God by bringing people to Christ for salvation, incorporate them into membership in His family, engage them into true worship to magnify His name, develop them to Christ-like maturity in their faith, finances, and relationships, and equip them for the work of the ministry in the Church and in the world.”

The five purposes are Evangelism, Fellowship, Worship, Discipleship, and Service.