On July 8, 1931, the Rev. Marshall A. Talley, pastor of Clark Memorial Baptist Church of Homestead, PA, accepted the pastorate of Mt. Zion.  He led the congregation to focus on youth and Christian Education.  From 1933-1949, Rev. Talley served as Dean of the National Baptist (USA, Inc.) Sunday School Congress and editor for its Sunday School material.  He was a recognized leader in Religious Education circles and among Negro Baptists in America.  He instituted the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP) that is still used today by the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.  Rev. Talley was elected to the Indiana State Legislature in 1936.  Rev. Talley resigned as pastor of Mt. Zion on Dec. 15, 1937.  His son, the Rev. Cornell Talley served as Iterim Pastor until late January 1938.

In 1939 the church extended a called to the Rev. Dr. E. L. Harrison, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.  Although Dr. Harrison came and preached the call-sermon, he declined the pastorate.