New Zion Baptist Church
N 30° 40.225 W 081° 27.428
17R E 456209 N 3393165
An historical marker about the New Zion Baptist Church is located at the church at 10 South 10th Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM3M1N
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 04/18/2008
Views: 20
The marker text reads as follows: "New Zion Baptist Church, the second oldest and largest black Baptist Church on Amelia Island, was founded on May 15, 1870 under the leadership of Reverend Lewis Cook (1834-1880). He and 69 parishioners held their first meeting in a stable on First Street and later in peoples' homes. The 69 parishioners, supported by "Father Cook," purchased the land for the church on April 1, 1878. The original wood church, built in 1881 on the present site, was destroyed by fire on the morning of February 11, 1907. The current structure, built on the same site and completed by November 1907, was constructed of cement brick veneer and remains unchanged today. William "Billy" Rivers, a well-known black contractor, supervised the project. Reverend P.A. Callaham, Bachelor of Divinity, served as Pastor. New Zion has a historical, cultural and spiritual significance, particularly during the segregation era, when it was the leading and largest church used for graduations and other community events. Under the leadership of 22 pastors, New Zion has for over 100 years contributed to the community and remains a cherished historical site in the historic district of Fernandina Beach."
Marker Number: F-443
Date: 2001
County: Nassau
Marker Type: Roadside
Sponsored or placed by: The City of Fernandina Beach and the Florida Department of State
Website: Not listed
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