Mount Zion Baptist Church (Charlottesville, Virginia)

Mount Zion is a historic Baptist church located at Charlottesville, Virginia. Although the current Mount Zion Baptist Church has only been in existence since 1884, the roots of the church are much deeper. The church began with a petition in 1864 to separate from the segregated white Baptist church, and the congregation was officially organized in 1867. Initially taking residence in the house of Samuel White, the congregation soon grew too large for the house, and in 1875 built a wooden church in the lot next door. In 1884, they finished the current, brick church that still stands today. The church was designed by George Wallace Spooner, who also helped rebuild the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.[3]

Mount Zion Baptist Church
Looking up from the base
Location105 Ridge St.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Coordinates38°1′48″N 78°29′10″W
Architectural styleClassical Revival; Italianate
NRHP reference No.92001388[1]
VLR No.104-0181
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1992
Designated VLRJune 19, 1991[2]

Rich in cultural history, the Mount Zion Baptist Church has seen more than just prayer. A social and political hub for African-Americans, it has seen the turbulent times of Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and Urban Renewal. The congregation is still in place today, and the church remains a pillar of strength and pride in the black community.

In 1966 the Minister of the Mount Zion Baptist Church was J.B. Hamilton and the Clerk was Mrs. Ethel P. Nicholas.[4]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.[1]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  3. Roberta C. Kerr (April 1991). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Mount Zion Baptist Church" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo
  4. Burley High School Year Book 'Jay Pee Bee' 1966. Charlottesville, VA: Jackson P. Burley High School. 1966. p. 95.
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