About Pastor Harris T. Travis
Pastor Harris T. Travis
Zion Baptist Church
Marietta, GA
Pastor Harris T. Travis was born and raised in Sneads, Florida. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of twelve years old. After completing High School, he valiantly served his country in the United States Army. Recognizing the value of education, he was encouraged to attend college. He received his BS degree from Tennessee State University, his Masters degree from Purdue University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. In between these attainments, Pastor Travis recognized his calling to serve God and entered the Indiana Bible College for further study in the word of the Lord.
Pastor Travis was called to his first church, New Faith Missionary Baptist Church in 1978, after serving under several pastors. He moved to Marietta, GA to accept the position as Vice President of Academics at Southern Polytechnic State University and immediately joined Zion Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Robert L. John (deceased). Pastor Travis was called to pastor Zion Baptist Church in August of 1992, after serving as interim pastor, following the death of Rev. Johnson.
Pastor Travis has served eighteen years as a visionary leader and a true servant of God. During this period, we have added a 7:30am early morning service, in addition to our 10:30am service; instituted Wednesday Night Family Bible study, as well as adding a Wednesday Noon Bible study. He currently has twenty-eight minister serving under him, twenty-two of whom are ordained and fifteen of them females. Twenty-three deacons have been ordained, re-organized the Trustee Board (now Board of Director to presently include the women of the church. A number of new ministries have been organized: Men, Women, Children and Youth, Outreach, Substance Abuse, Stephens, New Members, Seniors and an increased Christian Education program.
In October, 1998 we moved into our new Christian Education and Community building, a vision begun under the leadership of Dr. Travis. This building is dedicated to increasing the knowledge of God’s people regarding His Word and supporting the community of which we are a part.
On Easter Sunday, year 2007 Zion moved into its new sanctuary, fellowship hall and school of learning which overlooks downtown Marietta and is a tribute to the glory of God and His blessings on Zion and its Leader. When Pastor began his leadership, Zion occupied between three and five thousand feet. Today Zion occupies approximately ninety-seven thousand square feet, an increase of approximately eighteen times.
