Knowing, going, then growing in faith

Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has been rooted in the heart of Montgomery since 1903. Under the pastoral leadership of Dr. T Douglas Riley, we gather as a community of faith committed to strengthening our walk with God, reaching our neighbors, and growing together in Christ's love and purpose.

Our Mission

Knowing God, going deeper in faith, and growing together as a community of believers.

We are Mount Mariah AME Zion, led by Dr. T Douglas Riley, serving since 1903 with a vision rooted in God's unfinished work. We believe the Holy Spirit meets us in worship, prayer, and service. We welcome you as you are, whether you are exploring faith for the first time, deepening your walk with Christ, or seeking to serve alongside us in our community and beyond. Here, you belong.

Our Vision

A church where nobody feels like a stranger

We want to be a church where the lonely find real friendship, the weary find real rest, and the curious find real room to ask hard questions without fear of being judged or rushed.

Since 1903, that is still what keeps us showing up on Sunday mornings, in prayer on Wednesday afternoons, and stepping out into our community and beyond. The work is ordinary. The God behind it is not.

Who we are

Our foundation: Knowing, going, then growing

Dr. T Douglas Riley pastor is rooted in faith, service, and community. Since 1903, we have stayed committed to deepening our walk with God, reaching out in love, and growing stronger together in Christ.

01

Scripture as our foundation

We believe Scripture is inspired by God, and we shape our teaching, our counsel, and our shared life around what it says. We gather to study God's word together and let it guide us toward deeper faith and stronger community.

02

A Grace-Shaped Welcome

Everyone who walks through our doors has a story, and we know some of those stories carry real struggle. We want to be a church where grace is the first thing you experience and the last thing you forget.

03

Rooted in our community

Dr. T Douglas Riley pastor serves one congregation at 600 Alabama Street. We focus our outreach locally and beyond, through a food pantry, tutoring, recovery support, prison ministry, and partnerships with schools. We're here to serve the neighbors God has placed next to us.

Our leadership

The people called to shepherd this family

Lead Pastor

Dr. T Douglas Riley

Dr. T Douglas Riley has served as pastor for 47 years, building Mount Mariah AME Zion into a beacon of faith and community action. He preaches most Sundays and walks alongside our elder team, believing deeply that the best sermons show up the next morning at the kitchen table.

Teaches weekly and shapes our preaching calendar.
Leads our elder team in shepherding the congregation.
Available for pastoral conversations by appointment.
Married and committed to our shared mission since 1903.

How we are led

Elder-led leadership, accountable to our community

We are led by a team of elders who shepherd our congregation together, not by a single voice. Every major decision is brought to prayer, discussed openly, and reported transparently to the church family. This pattern of shared leadership has guided us since our founding in 1903.

Elder-led shepherdingOur elders oversee teaching, pastoral care, and the direction of the church together.
Prayer before decisionsEvery elder meeting begins with prayer before any item is discussed or decided.
Open financial reportingOur budget, audit reports, and ministry updates are shared with the congregation.
Pastoral care for allOur elders are available to meet, pray, and walk with any member through any season.

The best way to know us is to visit

Sundays in the morning, plus Wednesday afternoons and other times. Casual welcome, jeans are fine. Kids are included in our community, and we would love to meet you in person.

Plan a Visit What We Believe