Written by Tanya Terry, with featured photo of Rev. Dr. H.B. (Herbert B.) Dixson courtesy of the City of Flint
West Weatherby Street in Flint was honorarily renamed in recognition of Rev. Dr. H. B Dixson, the longtime pastor emeritus of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 27, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2109 M.L. King Avenue.
Born in Louisiana, Rev. Doctor Dixson served as pastor of Mt. Zion for 42 years before retiring in 2009 and was known for his warmth, kindness, and tireless service to the congregation and community. He was active with the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, the Great Lakes District Baptist Association, the Wolverine Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention. He died on April 8, 2017, at age 89.
At the recent ceremony, Mayor Sheldon Neeley emphasized the importance of unity and community support, urging people to be beacons of light like H.B. Dixson was.
H.B. Dixson Jr. shared memories of his father’s community outreach, including the Fisherman’s Club, vacation Bible school programs and youth activities.
Photo by Tanya Terry
Mrs. Sharon Williams recalled how Pastor Dixson served as a foundational village member who helped raise children in the community and brought people to Christ through Mt. Zion’s programs.
Former Flint City Councilman Matt Taylor discussed how Rev. Dixson led community efforts to combat drugs and gang activity, purchase homes for homeless veterans and transform the neighborhood.
Pastor Rodney Ellison, Mt. Zion’s current pastor, acknowledged the proclamation given to the Dixson family and led a prayer for the street and city.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the street sign.
Artie Dixson-Blake, Rev. Dixson’s daughter, shared her memories of her father and his ministry Courier.
Dixson-Blake pointed out that a tree was planted in her father’s memory in 2017 and has grown to approximately 15-20 feet tall. She recalled that her father’s favorite scripture was “as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord,” and he started ministry at home with Bible classes every Saturday around the kitchen table. When he was called to Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1968, the family joined the congregation.
Dixson-Blake worked as his administrative assistant for many years and describes her father as someone who demanded excellence in all his work for the Lord. During his 42-year pastorate, Dr. Dixson helped build Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
“He baptized thousands,” recalled Dixson-Blake. “He walked up and down this street, which is ironic that they want to change the sign because he built Mt. Zion-walking from Odette all the way to Pasadena, knocking on doors.
“And his heart was with the youth. And so, he built Mt. Zion on youth. And the parents of the youth kept saying, ‘why are they coming down here so many times?’ And the parents ended up joining.
“And so that’s what daddy did. He built the church knocking on doors on that street, cleaned up. At the time, it was Detroit Street. Now it’s Martin Luther King- all the way to Pasadena, knocking on doors every Saturday morning. And that’s what built Mt. Zion Baptist Church.”
Rev. Dr. Dixson’s legacy continues through his family, with his children and grandchildren still serving as musicians, choir directors and singers in the church. After retiring from his pastoral role, Dr. Dixson lived nine more years and passed away at age 89. The family continues to serve God and work with the community at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, carrying forward his legacy of faith and community service.
