Blythewood in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Little Zion Baptist Church
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
1. Little Zion Baptist Church Marker
The congregation at Little Zion dates to c. 1832, when enslaved individuals worshipped in white-controlled churches. After emancipation, these former slaves founded independent congregations like this one. A group led by Doctor Entzminger purchased the land where the church now stands c. 1886. In earlier years services were held under a brush arbor.
Later, a frame sanctuary was built. In the past 130 years, Little Zion has had only five pastors. The longest pastorate was Rev. Abraham Chandler, who served for fifty years from 1887-1937. Under the leadership of Pastor Eddie W. Davis, the newest edifice was built in 1995 and added land was purchased. In 2016, a part of Winnsboro Hwy. was named for him in honor of all his accomplishments and service as pastor since 1983.
Erected 2017 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by Little Zion Baptist Church. (Marker Number 40-201.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 34° 10.298′ N, 81° 2.506′ W. Marker is in Blythewood, South Carolina, in Richland County
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Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Greater Columbia Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sandy Level Baptist Church (approx. 4.2 miles away); Bethel Baptist Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); Bethel School / Bethel Hanberry School (approx. 4.8 miles away); George P. Hoffman House (approx. 5 miles away); Blythewood School (approx. 5.2 miles away); Zion Chapel Baptist Church No. 1 (approx. 5½ miles away); Killian Road Baptist Church Cemetery Confederate Soldiers Monument (approx. 5.9 miles away); Killian School (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blythewood.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Skirmish at Killian's Mill (was approx. 6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
2. Little Zion Baptist Church Marker
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
3. Little Zion Baptist Church
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
4. Little Zion Baptist Church Marker
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
5. Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery
Photographed by Nancy Stone-Collum, circa September 2018
6. Little Zion Baptist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2018. This page has been viewed 964 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 28, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
