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The 1990s brought with it tremendous growth for the Cleveland Community and with this growth Mount Zion's attendance steadily increased.   A second Sunday morning worship service was added at 8:30.  By the end of the decade, the then current sanctuary's capacity of 117 was often exceeded for both the 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday morning services.  In 1998 the Long Range Planning Committee was re-cast.

The committee proposed the construction of a new brick 8,600 square foot, 416 seat sanctuary on the south side of the existing sanctuary.  The new building would include new offices for the pastor and church secretary, freeing up space for more classrooms in the Sunday School wing.  The church approved the project in February of 2000.  Additional land to the south of the property was acquired.  A rural churches grant was received from The Duke Endowment, and a major fundraising effort commenced. 

Ground was broken on the new sanctuary on September 9, 2001.  Two massive oak trees had to be removed to make way for the site.  These trees shaded Mount Zion members for decades as they shared in fellowship during homecoming and fellowship picnics.  Wood from these trees was used to build the cross that hangs in front of the round stained-glass window above the pulpit in the new sanctuary. 

Thanks to God and the generous support of many Mount Zion parishioners and supporters, the new sanctuary was consecrated in front of a full sanctuary of worshippers on August 25, 2002, by the Reverend Rose Conner and District Superintendent Hope Morgan Ward.

In 2004 the church staff was expanded for youth ministries.  The husband and wife team of Casey and Angel Taylor joined Mount Zion as youth pastors.  They served the church as interns from September 2004 until September of 2005 when they joined the staff as youth ministers and led our United Methodist Youth Fellowship.  The youth group continues to grow and mission to the local and national communities.  They have recently completed mission works in Juarez, Mexico, and the inner city of Saint Louis, Missouri.

God has called Mt. Zion to reach out many times.  Our founders have built five sanctuaries: 1809, 1815, 1840, 1951, and 2002.  The church family of Mount Zion is thankful and proud that their church has continued through the years in the work of our Lord.  We stand ready to continue His work and continue in Mount Zion's rich tradition of serving. 

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