History

 

It all began with Dicey, a young slave woman, belonging to one of the white families of
First Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. She decided that she wanted to become a member
of the church and was accepted by their congregation. Prior to 1866, slaves of
members of First Baptist were allowed to join and were allowed to worship from
the balcony. As their numbers grew, attempts were made to provide for a separate
worship place, services and conference.

Finally, in 1866, letters of dismissal were granted to 89 African American members for the purpose of constituting a separate Baptist Church. Zion Baptist Church was
organized April 8, 1866 with Brother Ephraim B. Rucker as Pastor. The present
brick structure (now Historical Zion) was erected under the leadership of Zion’s
third pastor, Rev. C. G. Holmes. At the beginning of the twentieth century, many
additions were made. A senior choir was formed, a parsonage purchased and a
baptismal installed.

The church grew stronger spiritually over the years. In 1954, Rev. J. R. Cook, a dynamic preacher, energetic leader, and social reformer came to pastor Zion. Under his leadership many improvements were made in the physical church as well as the spiritual church. The worship format was changed, modern equipment was purchased, bible classes began, a youth choir was organized, and the congregation grew to 380 members.

 

In August 1960, Rev. R. L. Johnson was called as Zion’s 22nd pastor and led the congregation for the next 31 years. Zion took its rightful place as leader among social institutions in Marietta. Additional property was acquired across the street from the original church and in 1977; a new sanctuary with fellowship hall was constructed on Lemon Street. We pay homage to the following Deacons and their families who placed their homes as collateral: Deacon Earnest Bedford, Deacon Charles Ferguson, Deacon Albert Mayes Sr., Deacon George Williams and Deacon Willie Hill.

 

In November 1992, Rev. Dr. Harris T. Travis was called as Zion’s 23rd pastor, whose engineering and educational background placed Zion on the road to many changes.
An early morning worship service was instituted and a Christian Education Department was started. A new educational wing was constructed in 1998 and a new 1,200 seat sanctuary and ZBC Children’s Academy was constructed in 2007. Many ministries and auxiliaries have been initiated under the leadership of Pastor Travis, including the ordination of females into the Ministry. Our ‘Old Zion’ structure was restored and entered into the National Registry of Historical Places.

 

Zion has been truly blessed. Our membership currently numbers in excess of 2,400. Zion remains a leader in the Marietta and Cobb County areas; as other churches, social and civic organizations look to Zion for leadership.