Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a quaint little church in the Missouri countryside, standing proudly against the elements and time in all its simple beauty.  

The church was organized on August 11, 1871 by W. W. Branin. Founding member included: Martha J. Miller, Catherine Lawson, Nancy Hollaway, Harriet J. Hollaway, Joseph Pierce, Margaret A. Thompson, L. C. McDaniel, Henry Bowers, P. P. Lawson, Caroline R. Bowers, Thomas L. Pierce, Susan J. Williams.  By 1883, the membership of the church was 100 and pastors included: W. W. Branin, James E. F. Robertson and C. W McBride.  There was a Sabbath school that included 50 members, and H. B. Sappington was the Sabbath school superintendent. The Sabbath school only ran during the summer months.  

The building that stands today was erected in 1879. Like many other older country churches in Missouri, it is a simple frame structure. It cost $800 to build it.  

As far as I can tell from my research, the building was no longer in use by 1979. 

The church is in very good condition. There is a graveyard associated with the church that is in very good condition as well.  

In September of 1879, Alla Edwin Faust (1865-1944) joined Mt. Zion C.P. Church. On March 26, 1887, he conversed with the Presbytery (Hopewell Presbytery) about an internal call to ministry. On October 4, 1890, he was ordained. 

Old Salem Church (Salem Baptist Church)

Old Salem Church sits along a lonely dirt road in Moniteau County.  It is a typical small, one room, frame building church like many that used to dot the Missouri countryside.  

This church was organized on July 14, 1843.  Charter members were: Nathan Cooper, James Martin, Reuben Jobe, Logan Jobe, John Scott, Dedrick Yows, Joseph Henry, Bartholamew Jobe, Lydia Yows, Esther Sailing, Mary Suster, Katharine Martin, Mrs. Reuben Jobe (Mary), Mrs. Logan Jobe (Mary), Mrs. Bartholamew Job (Mary), Nancy Sailing, and Mathilda Scott. The first building was of log construction.  

"Record books show the families of Reuben Jobe, Polly Beard and John W Beard deeded land for the purpose of building a church. Membership was seventeen. McCajah Duncan was pastor. The church building served as the first meeting place of the County Court after Moniteau became a county in 1845.

"In January 1879, the members voted to build a new church on a track of land donated by Anderson Hodge. This land is northeast of California on what is now Hwy 87. A frame building 30X44X14 feet was constructed at a cost of $861.98. The church was dedicated in 1879.

"On November 6, 1969, the building was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin. The building was ninety years old at the time of destruction. On November 12, the members voted to rebuild on the same site. Additional rooms were added in 1984 and a new sanctuary, baptistry, pastor's study and church library were added in 1988." ~ From the History of Moniteau County, Volume 2, published in 2000

I am not sure when the current church building was built, but it sits well preserved. It overlooks the cemetery across the street.