Our Journey: 1926–2026
A Century of Faith, Service, and Mission
1926–1951: Foundations on Looney Street
New Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1926 under Pastor Squire Simms. By 1939, the congregation was worshiping at 1745 Looney Street in Shreveport’s Allendale community, and in 1950 New Zion began purchasing the property it called home.
1952–1989: Revival, Growth & a New Home
Rev. Angus Webber’s 31-year pastorate began in 1952, bringing renewed evangelism, growth, renovations, and note-burning celebrations. In 1984, under Rev. Richard Smith’s vision, New Zion relocated to 5804 Southern Avenue. Rev. Richmond Nash later led a season of significant membership growth.
1990–2000: Mission, Growth, & a Vision Carried Forward
Under Rev. Gregory Kirby and later Dr. Philip Williamson Sr., New Zion entered a season of renewed growth, expanded ministries, and greater community outreach. The church strengthened its commitment to missions and kingdom service, and in 1999 the Southern Avenue note was paid in full. On November 12, 2000, New Zion celebrated this milestone with a historic Note Burning Ceremony—a testimony to faithful leadership, sacrificial giving, and God’s provision.
2001 —2015: Mission, Expansion & Bossier City
New Zion continued growing as a mission-minded and kingdom-focused church. Through the Acts 1:8 Challenge, members served locally and beyond, including mission work in Louisiana, New York, Brazil, and the Bahamas. In December 2006, the congregation moved across the Red River to its new home at 2535 Barbara Street in Bossier City. The church continued its journey under Dr. Philip Williamson Sr., Pastor Elijah Teh-Teh, and interim leadership as it prepared for its next chapter.
2016–2026: The Well Life Church
In 2016, Dr. Draper S. Wright was called to pastor New Zion. Under his leadership, the church expanded outreach, strengthened ministry groups, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, refreshed its facilities, and embraced the identity New Zion — The Well Life Church, dedicated to reaching, restoring, and refreshing lives.
Voices of Faithfulness
Reflections, Greetings & Encourgement from Those Who Have Shared in New Zion’s Journey
Dr. Draper S. Wright
Pastor, New Zion Baptist Church — The Well Life Church
“The same God who guided us through the first hundred years will lead us into the next chapter of ministry.”
Rev. Dr. R. LaMont Smith II
Former Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church • 1983–1985
“My experiences while working with the New Zion family are definitely a foundational part of that rich journey.”
Dr. Philip Williamson Sr.
Former Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church • 1997–2012
“Those seventeen years working with the New Zion Saints were the highlight of ministry for me.”
Rev. Lane Moore
Director of Missions / Associational Mission Strategist, Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association
“I look forward to many more years of cooperative service together in Kingdom ministry.”
Rev. Dr. Joseph Allen Johnson Jr.
Pastor James W. Chavis
Minister Nurtured Through New Zion Baptist Church
“The best chapters of New Zion’s testimony are still being written.”
Minister Nurtured Through New Zion Baptist Church
“This is why I will always call New Zion Baptist Church home.”