(Black PR Wire) Arlington, VA — Mount Zion Baptist Church, home to one of the oldest African American churches in Arlington, VA, will install
The Reverend Dr. André D. Ivy as its 10th Senior Pastor on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Westover Baptist Church (1125 Patrick Henry Drive, Arlington, VA). Dr. Ivy was selected as Senior Pastor-Elect from a pool of 261 applicants from across the country.

The pastoral installation is expected to draw persons from the faith based, business, and civic communities, long-standing members of the Arlington community, and church leaders and congregants from across the country. The Installation Service will feature renowned guest preacher Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis (Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA) and acclaimed gospel psalmist Maurette Brown Clark.

The Pastoral Installation Service formally acknowledges the covenant between Dr. Ivy and the Mount Zion congregation, affirming their shared responsibility and commitment to ministry. The occasion marks a turning point in the church’s enduring legacy, one that began in 1866 when formerly enslaved individuals founded Mount Zion in Freedman’s Village—now the site of Arlington National Cemetery. “This moment is more than a ceremony — it is a sacred partnership between pastor and people,” said Dr. Ivy. “Together, we embrace the call to serve boldly, love deeply, and uplift our community in Christ.”

Dr. Ivy, a native Washingtonian, brings over 20 years of experience as a spiritual leader, educator, and community advocate. He currently serves as State President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., President of the Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity, and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His ministry is rooted in spiritual growth, community justice, and mental health awareness.

Preceding the installation is a lineup of Pastoral Pre-Installation Services, including a Midday Praise and Worship program hosted by Mount Zion’s Youth Ministry on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Guest preacher Reverend Jerry M. Carter Jr., PhD, (Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ) will deliver the sermonic message, with gospel musical selections from J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise.

All are welcome to attend the various services. For more information and for a Pastoral Installation Celebration Schedule of Events, visit mountzionbaptist.com or call 703-979-7411. Services will be streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel.

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Media Invitation
Media representatives are encouraged to attend. Photo, video, and interview opportunities with Dr. Ivy, church leaders, and
guest preachers will be available. To coordinate access, contact Deborah Pankey-Mebane at deborah@thedpmgroup.com or
410-206-8082.
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Mount Zion Baptist Church was established in 1866 and is one of the oldest African American churches in Arlington, VA. For
nearly 160 years, the church has remained a cornerstone of spiritual guidance, social action, and community uplift in Northern Virginia. Its mission is to welcome and Embrace all people; Equip them to Evangelize the world through relevant preaching and teaching and Empower them to love, spiritually grow and Edify God and Jesus Christ through worship, witness, word and service.