By the leading of the Holy Spirit, Greater Zionfield Missionary Baptist Church was organized and held its first service on November 18th, 1958, under the leadership of its founder, Reverend Paul Jones.  Pastor Jones began having worship services at 1504 Mansfield Ave. in Marrero, LA.

 Though the church had modest beginnings, in time the membership began to grow. This growth resulted in a decision to purchase a larger building at 162 Fourth Street in Bridge City, Louisiana.

In 1992 Reverend Paul Jones’ health began to fail and he was no longer able to conduct services as he desired. In 1993 the Reverend Paul Jones was called home to be with the Lord.

The members went down in prayer and they chose Rev. Elias Jones as their pastor and the ministry continued under his leadership. Rev. Jones resigned in December of 1993 and the church began a search for a new pastor.

Elder Ida Domino and the congregation was determined to continue the ministry in Bridge City. Again, the church went down in prayer and the Lord sent a young spirit- filled man of God by the name of Rev. Samuel Travis Jr. of Kenner, Louisiana. He was installed as pastor in 1994.

Within thirty days as Pastor, drastic changes began. He began his journey to build people of purpose, power, and praise. This began a new era for Greater Zionfield.

The word got out that there was a new pastor in town. As he focused on building people, the Lord began adding to His church.

In November, 1994, Greater Zionfield under the leadership of Pastor Travis, purchased another building at 636 Eleventh Street in Westwego, Louisiana. He organized 14 ministries to support the vision the Lord had given him for the church.

In due time the name of the church changed to Greater Zionfield Family Worship Center (Building Strong Families for a Brighter Tomorrow). Pastor Travis continued to educate himself, received a doctorate degree and earned the title of Dr. Samuel Travis Jr., Pastor.

As the church continued serving the people in the community, the Lord continued to add to His church and Greater Zionfield began to have two Sunday services. The Lord spoke to Pastor Travis and said the place where we dwell is too small. In 2014 Greater Zionfield purchased another location at 59 Westbank Expressway in Gretna, Louisiana to accommodate the people. A lot of renovations had to be done. But we were optimistic and ready to see what God had in store for us.

In January 2020 a global pandemic caused by the coronavirus affected people everywhere. Like many other churches, Greater Zionfield had to close its doors to the people. The Lord sustained us by creating the GZ Cyber Church and our family were able to stay connected. The Cyber Church allowed us to take a message of hope from the Westbank to the world. It is still in operation today. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

In March 2021 we reentered our worship facility. Then on August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida caused devastation across Louisiana and Greater Zionfield sustained major damage to the front section of the church. Again, the Lord spoke to our pastor to encourage us by saying we are GZ Strong. God gave us supernatural strength to handle these situations. The church was repaired in two weeks and the ministry was up and running again.

Greater Zionfield has acquired another property at 628 Eleventh St., Westwego, LA. on July 22, 2024.  This additional property will accommodate the future growth of the church. We also identified upward of 20 ministries and put in place ongoing leadership development of said ministries.

Greater Zionfield the best is yet to come. We are convinced that the glory of the Lord rests upon Pastor Travis and this ministry. We give God praise for all the great things He has done and will continue to do. GZ let us remain faithful!