Zion Baptist Church was established in the year of 1886. Rev. Charles Baker thought a church closer than First Baptist Church, on St. Francis Street would be beneficial to the members of that church living in West Saint Augustine. So he petitioned First Baptist to permit him to set up a church in this area. Permission was granted. The membership was made up of 12 to 15 former members of First Baptist Church living on the west side. Services were conducted in the home of Sis. Gloria Cooper and other members. In 1891, a tract of land was purchased on John Street, where a wood-frame church was built. Members and friends supplied the labor and material. Rev. Baker our first pastor carried on the monthly services for some time. He served the congregation faithfully and devoted his time and efforts to the growth of the young church.
Rev. M.B. Britton was our second pastor. The present building was erected in 1921. Rev. Britton led the congregation from the old site to the present building which houses Zion Baptist Church, Evergreen Avenue. Rev. Britton was instrumental in inspiring the rapid growth of this church and served as pastor for forty-two years. During the 1940's, two steeples were placed on the church by Deacon Tommie Andrews and Carpenter Proctor. In the 126 years of the existence of Zion Baptist Church, what is now Zion Missionary Baptist Church, we have had the following pastors: Rev. Charles Baker, Rev. M.B. Britton, Rev. W. J. Johnson, Rev. Ed Martin, Rev. G. W. Dobson, Rev. Daniel Johnson, Rev. C. C. Rawles, Rev. John Williams, and Rev. J. M. Sams whom is our present pastor. Two assistant pastors of Zion include Rev. J. B. Scott and Rev. Joseph Sapp, and Rev. Travis Patterson as the associate minister. Zion Missionary Baptist Church has had the following deacons: Deacons Frank Mitchell, Robert Fulwood, Arthur Baker, Eddie Lewis, Isaac Sims, Sidney Morgan, Lorenza Evans, David McGill, Sampson Murray, Albert Maddox, F. F. Everett, Ben James, Eddie Brown, Frank Stroman, London Bryant, Tinsley McGlocking, Herbert Alvarez, Eugene Trotman, Frank McNeil, French McNeil, Dan LaGree, Cornelius Jones, H. Jones, Roscoe Halyard, James Smith, Eugene Israel, James Bryant, Hurley Anderson, Anthony Dailey, Terry Whitty, Albert Whitty, Troy Hamm, Randall Anderson, Robert Bush, Ricky James, and Aaron Williams. During the pastorate of Rev. James M. Sams, worship services were changed from two Sundays a month to four Sundays a month with communion being exercised on the first Sunday. Many things have been accomplished under Pastor Sams' leadership. Some of these accomplishments include organizing structures such as the J. M. Sams Gospel Choir, the Donald Anderson Male Chorus, the Zion Mass Choir, A Mother's Ministry, Women's Fellowship Ministry, Social Service Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Singles Ministry, and Usher Ministries #2 and #4. Many good things have happened since the inception of Zion. An after school tutorial program as well as an elevator funding were both established and accomplished. A computer for finances and programs was installed and the church was also painted and had a new roof added. The youth department, Vacation Bible School, and BTU were all reorganized. Two lots were purchased at the corner of Spring Street and Evergreen Avenue. Four deacons, Bro. Randall Anderson, Bro. Robert Bush, Bro. Ricky James, and Bro. Aaron Williams, were ordained. Rev. Sams appointed Dea. Albert Whitty, Dea. Anthony Dailey, Dea. James Bryant, and Dea. Eddie Davis to the deacon board. Min. Travis Patterson was appointed as associate minister. Min. Nicholas Williams was licensed by Rev. Sams. Rev. Billy Hull joined Zion. The downstairs annex, bathrooms, and pastor study were all remodeled by Bro. Reginald James, Bro. John "Pete" Pfeiffer, Bro. Reginald James, Jr., Sis. Nancy James, Sis. Susan James, and Sis. Lula Wise. The church has grown both spiritually and financially. Changes have occurred and organizations have been reestablished with the help of concerned and dedicated members. As far as the record shows, our mission presidents have been as follows: Sis. Inez McNeil, Sis. Ruth Bush, and Sis. Susan James. We are sure that there have been several women whom have served as mothers of the church, but these are the ones for which we can find recorded in the records. They are Sis. Cora Williams, Sis. Evelyn Smith, and Sis. Thomasena Jackson. |
From the beginning |
Where we are now |
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