NASHVILLE — Mount Zion Baptist Church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to open its Community Outreach Center in Nashville. Bishop Joseph W. Walker III conducted the official ribbon cutting, joined by the church's chief-level executors and Shannon Fitzpatrick, Mount Zion's outreach director.

The building that now houses the center was formerly the historic Mary's BBQ, which served the local community before the location was converted. After the ribbon cutting, a guided tour outlined how the space will be used to assist community members.

The center will include a food pantry where people can pick up available food items, showers for unhoused individuals, and clothing for people reentering the workforce, such as dresses or shirts and ties. It also features dedicated meeting space and an area where college students can record podcasts. To-go meals will be served during holiday periods. The stated vision for the center is centered on hope, healing, empowerment, and outreach.

"The Mount Zion Outreach Center reflects our commitment to ministry beyond the walls of the church. We believe the church should meet both the spiritual and practical needs of people, and this Outreach Center will serve as a place where lives are strengthened, families are supported, and the community is uplifted," Walker said at the ceremony.

Walker also pointed to the site's prior use, saying, "There is something powerful about transforming a place once known for feeding the community physically into a space that will now help nourish people spiritually, emotionally, educationally, and economically."

Attendees included Mount Zion's board members, strategic planning team, and neighbors from the community. Davidson County Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite attended, as did Sharon Hurt, a former member of the Nashville City Council who recently won the Davidson County Clerk's race. A few immediate family members of Mary Seals and the founder of Mary's BBQ were also present. Monchiere Holmes-Jones and the catering company Inherited Flavor prepared food for guests, and Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria also attended.

More information on the Community Outreach Center is available by contacting Shannon Fitzpatrick, Mount Zion's outreach director, at (615) 254-7296.