Mt. Zion
Missionary Baptist Church
History
( Posthumous )
Rev. Alphonso Lyons Jr.
Reverend Alphonso Lyons Jr, has been instrumental in providing leadership to Mount Zion Baptist Church since 1974. An effective communicator and teacher of God’s word, he is known for his gentleness and dynamic teaching styles. He dedicated his life to his church and the community
in Peoria.
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In 1966, while a young member of Grace Baptist Church, Alphonso made it known that he had been called to the ministry of Christ. Ordained in 1974, he served as an Assistant Pastor under the guidance of Dr. Wendall R. Phillips at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Shortly after being ordained, Dr. Phillips accepted a pastoral position at another church in Pennsylvania. May 1974, Rev Lyons began serving as interim pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church. October of 1974, the church selected him as the head Pastor.
A native of Peoria, Alphonso Lyons graduated from Manual High School in 1967. He went on
to graduate from Bradley University in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and
Religious studies. He later received a master’s degree in Education and Administration
from Bradley. An avid reader, Reverend Lyons will tell you some of his biggest influencers
were Dr. Fred Sampson, and Dr. E.V. Hill. A bibliophile he maybe, he was most influenced
by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lyons served on numerous boards and committees that included the Peoria
Area Ministerial Alliance, Chairman of the Peoria Christian Leadership Council, also
Moderator of the Central District Congress, past President Central District Association,
Baptist General State Conventions and Illinois Peoples Action. Always looking for ways
to make his church and the community more financially grounded, he founded METEC,
Mt. Zions’ Effort to Equip the Community. METEC is a community development corpor-
ation that provides resources that helps families and individual with housing and
employment. He has served on METEC’s board since its inception in 2001.
Never wanting to be seen but always willing to be that pillar of support, additional organizations and accomplishments that Pastor Lyons dedicated his life to include:
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Current Chairman of Board of PCLC (Peoria Christian Leadership Council)
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Current member of the Peoria Baptist Ministerial Alliance
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Current member of PMEDO (Peoria Ministerial Economic Development organization)
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Member of Committee to establish a Peoria Charter School
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Current member Peoria Lion’s Club
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Current Board Member of Manual High School Advisory Board
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Former contributing writer to the religious column of the Peoria Journal Star
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Past President Central District Congress
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Past Corresponding Secretary for Baptist General State Convention of Illinois (2002-2008)
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Past instructor for Central District Congress
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Past instructor for Baptist General State Convention of Illinois (1976-1979)
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Past secretary PAMA (Peoria Area Ministerial Association)
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​Affectionally known as “Rev” by his family and students. Alphonso was a substitute teacher for Peoria Public Schools for many years.
He taught several subjects including French. Children were the key to his heart. He believed the church should provide creative opportunities in helping motivate our youth and understand we only have a brief time to do so.
He married Cheryl G. Green in 1975. From that union two children were born, Danielle and Devan Lyons. He later married Charlene Grant Coates. Together they raised five children and have a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.