Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson
Pastor
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church
Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson serves as the seventh pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. His ministry started with his service as a youth minister for two churches and the position of director of youth and evangelism ministries for the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. Rev. Nelson has been the recipient of several awards, most recently the 2017 Alpha Phi Alpha Community Service Award.
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, has more than 150 years of rich history yet continues to adapt to the needs of the 21st century. With Rev. Nelson as leader, the congregation has focused on addressing issues impacting the underserved in the community. Outreach efforts include canceling worship in order for members to do random acts of kindness and hosting conferences that address topics such as domestic violence.
Rev. Nelson has a heart for working to meet the needs of people, especially those who are overlooked and under-privileged. In November 2011, the Rev. Nelson was elected by the citizens of Henrico County (Varina District) to serve as its supervisor. He is the first African-American elected official in the district’s history and only the second African-American supervisor in Henrico County. He has served as board chairperson and vice-chair.
Since being elected, Rev. Nelson oversaw the construction of the new Varina Library, advocated for Team Excel's move to the "old" Varina Library, opened An Achievable Dream Academy at Highland Springs Elementary School, started the Henrico Citizens Academy, led effort to purchase 100 acres for the Sports Park in Sandston.
A native of Richmond, after completing his public school education, the Rev. Nelson earned his Associate of Science in business administration from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Rev. Nelson and his wife, Sharaza, have three children: Tyrone Jr., Sydney, and Makenzie.