Songs like “Silent Night” and “I’ll Fly Away” filled Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Sept. 26 while the congregation celebrated its 200th birthday. The church had a dramatic musical called, “200 Years of Blessings.”

Photos of the church’s history were displayed at the front of the sanctuary while various cast members told the audience about how the congregation kept faith during the Great Depression and how the annual Harvest Day was used as a way to keep the church running.

Phil Cunningham auctioned off a Mt. Zion tshirt for $50 and a signed program from the evening’s drama for $400. It was a way to not only explain the history of Harvest Day, but announce the coming of the annual event on Oct. 3 at the church.

The drama showed the struggles of many to create the church. However, the church’s history is still in the making.

Pastor Leonard Rex said the mission of the church has never changed, the congregation is still full of people on a mission for God.

Tim Stevens, the son of Evelyn and the late James R. Stevens, wrote the script. Although he doesn’t attend the church, Rex said Stevens spent countless hours helping making the drama special.

“Tim did a great job directing and pulling the best out of people and it was great to have so many folks involved,” Rex said.

On Sunday morning, Mt. Zion had a special Bicentennial celebration during the worship service with a Homecoming luncheon that followed. During the celebration, there were dramatic monologues and a Time Tunnel.

Rex also burned the mortgage of the church’s new sanctuary.

For more information about Mt. Zion, visit www.mountzion-umc.org.