Mt. Zion AMEC - Buffalo

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“We Enter to Worship, We Depart to Serve” 

The vision for Mount Zion A.M.E. Church began in 1976 while Rev. Milton Hammett was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Buffalo. In conversation with his pastor, Rev. G. Grant Crumply, Rev. Hammett shared his desire to organize a new congregation. Rev. Crumply affirmed both the vision and the need for another A.M.E. presence in the city.

After later uniting with Agape A.M.E. Church, Rev. Hammett shared this same vision with Rev. Fred A. Lucas, Jr., who encouraged him to pursue it faithfully. After five years of prayer, preparation, and perseverance, the vision became reality.

On Saturday, April 11, 1981, Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church held its first worship service at 6:00 p.m. The service brought together pastors, ministers, and members from several congregations, including:

• Agape A.M.E. Church, Rev. Fred A. Lucas, Jr., Pastor 
• Bethel A.M.E. Church, Buffalo, Rev. Eugene McAshan, Pastor 
• Delaine Waring A.M.E. Church, Rev. Henry Lewis, Pastor 
• Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lackawanna, Rev. Clara Castro, Pastor 
• First Church, Lockport, Rev. Samuel King, Pastor 
• First Church, Olean (Bethel Olean), Rev. Carrie Collins, Pastor 

Additional clergy and ministries were present, including the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Prayer Band and representatives from Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ.

The preacher for the evening was Rev. Fred A. Lucas, Jr., whose message, “Encouraged to Step Out Into the Deep” (Luke 5:1–6), marked the formal launching of the Mount Zion vision.

The founding organizers included Rev. Milton Hammett, Mrs. Fannie M. Hammett, Bro. Terry O. Hammett, Bro. Harvey T. Hammett, and Bro. Virgil Hammett.

The first Sunday morning worship service followed on April 12, 1981. Rev. Hammett preached from Proverbs 16:6–9, focusing on verse 7, with the subject, “I Am Going to Please God.”

 he congregation initially worshipped at 357 Grider Street and later on Bailey Avenue. In time, Mount Zion purchased its present location at 1061 Sycamore Street, establishing a permanent home for ministry and community engagement. 

Rev. Milton and Mrs. Fannie Hammett returned to South Carolina in 1994. Their son, Rev. Virgil Hammett, was appointed to lead Mount Zion and served until early 1995.

In 1995, Rev. Anne Hargrave Pinn was appointed pastor. During her tenure, significant organizational strengthening took place. Sister Alene Lewis, with the blessing of her pastor, Rev. Wayne Johnson, Sr., joined Mount Zion to assist in building key ministries, including the Lay Committee and the Usher Board. Her dedicated service spanned three years of training and development.

The church also benefited from generous contributions. Dr. Anthony Pinn donated liturgical furnishings in memory of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley S. Hargrave, Sr. Additional supporters contributed toward the purchase of the Communion Table and other essential resources.

In 1996, the Fannie Mae Hammett Missionary Society introduced the “Sister Sharing” ministry, fostering fellowship and spiritual growth.

Mount Zion’s commitment to community service was further demonstrated through the KIDSPACE Program, launched in 1998. Designed as a safe and supportive environment for children, the program provided tutoring and care during after-school hours and summer months. Under the leadership of family therapist Joyce A. Pinn, and in cooperation with the Buffalo Public Schools, children were transported to the program daily.

The building used for KIDSPACE, located on Rother Street, was donated to the church. Despite challenges in maintaining the property as rental housing, the congregation discerned a higher purpose for its use—serving children with special needs. The program operated successfully for approximately five years, sustained by volunteer leadership and deep commitment.

Though the ministry faced significant setbacks due to repeated acts of theft and vandalism, the congregation remained steadfast. With the approval of the Western New York Conference Board of Trustees, steps were taken to relinquish the property after it became a liability.

 In October 2003, Mount Zion celebrated a major milestone: the full payment of its mortgage. Presiding Elder Ernestine Ward presided over the ceremonial burning of the mortgage, marking a moment of collective achievement and gratitude.

The church has long acknowledged the faithful support of friends and benefactors who stood with the congregation in times of uncertainty and need. Their generosity and presence embodied the spirit of Christian fellowship and mutual care.

 Rev. Anne Hargrave Pinn faithfully served until her passing on June 13, 2005, after a courageous fourteen-year battle with leukemia.

In July 2005, Rev. Herman Bover, Jr. was appointed pastor. He brought renewed energy and commitment to the congregation, guided by the principle: “There are no big I’s or little you’s in the Body of Christ.”

Mount Zion A.M.E. Church remains a testament to vision, perseverance, and faithful service. Though small in number, the congregation has demonstrated enduring strength and spiritual impact—truly embodying its identity as “the little church that could.”