1945: Rev. Neal Lee Peterson envisioned a Baptist church in the Codornices Village area of Berkeley/Albany.

March 31, 1946: Berkeley Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the home of Sis. Maxine Lyons with Rev. Peterson as Pastor and charter members including Deacon Fred Williams and others. Services were initially held in members’ homes.

1949: The church purchased property at 834 Camelia Street, its first permanent location, and filed incorporation records in Sacramento on October 7.

1954-1961: The current site at 1400 Eighth Street was purchased, construction began in 1954, and the congregation moved into the new church in January 1961.

1976: Cornerstone dedication service was held; the cornerstone was later removed during 1980 renovations.

1980-1983: Major renovation increased church value to $750,000.

1992: Mount Zion 2000 Project focused on evangelism, sanctuary updates, and revitalized Christian education programs.

2005: Dr. Thompson retired after 40 years, celebrated with the “Legacy of Love” tribute year.

2006: Rev. Brian D. Hunter became the 5th Senior Pastor with the vision, "Empowering the People of God by Doing Ministry Beyond Sunday Morning."

2008: Ministry restructured under the "5 W’s" (Worship, Word, Witness, Work, With One Accord) to align with the church's purpose.

2014: Undertook significant renovations of the exterior and sanctuary.

Current Vision: The church continues thriving in ministry, guided by Jeremiah 29:11 and committed to fruitful service for the future.

Pastoral Leadership:

• Rev. Neal L. Peterson (1946–1959): Organized two ministers and five deacons.

• Rev. Luther Williams (1960–1961): Added 84 members.

• Rev. L.B. Hands (1961–1966): Added 150 members.

• Rev. Dr. M.T. Thompson (1966–2005): Led for nearly 40 years, expanding ministries, licensing over 100 preachers, and ordaining 60 deacons. Key projects included renovations and the 1991 Helping Hands of Zion Outreach Ministry.