Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church will observe its annual John Jasper Day on Sunday February 17, 2008 during its 11 o’clock am worship service. The speaker for this special celebration is Dr. Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr., the pastor emeritus of the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God. During the service, Sixth Mount Zion will recognize the works of three citizens with its John Jasper Trailblazer Award given in honor of the church’s founding pastor. This year, the 2008 awards will be presented to Reginald Gordon, CEO of the Richmond Red Cross, Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ, Founder of the Faith Community Baptist Church, and Senator Henry l. Marsh, III..

Reverend John Jasper (1812-1901), was born a slave and matured to become one of Virginia’s most celebrated preachers admired by black and white audiences. He organized the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church after the civil war in 1867 in an abandoned confederate horse stable. Jasper enjoyed fame and renown during the Reconstruction era for his exciting sermons which captivated the citizens of Richmond. Thousands came to hear Jasper preach.

The church is recognized as a national, state and local site of historical places to visit. This is the third year the Jasper Award has been presented. Previous honorees include Governor Tim Kaine, Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, Raymond Boone, Martha Rollins, Dr. John Kinney and the late Oliver Hill, Sr. The service is open to the public, a reception will follow immediately after the celebration.

Reverend Tyrone E. Nelson is the pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, for information about John Jasper Day call the church at 804-648-7511.