Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mount Zion United Methodist Church
The Baptists and Methodists shared rented space at Jefferson and Sixth streets until the Freedman's Aid Society selected the location for Howard Institute, a school for local African Americans. The Baptist and Methodist congregations dismantled their building and shared the lumber. The Methodist Church, known as Mount Zion, moved to North Sixth and Marlborough, where it dedicated the first sanctuary in April 1873.
Shortly after the church's founding in the 1860s, Mount Zion became part of a large group of black Methodist churches under the Mississippi Mission Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregation grew, and out of the growth three other Methodist Episcopal congregations were organized. In 1972, due to urban renewal, members worshipped in the friendship center until relocating the church to this site in October 1973.
Over the years, Mount Zion's members have maintained strong link to Texas’ Methodist educational institutions. Today, Mount Zion's members are active in local educational training, as well as many other programs and services. The church continues to be a spiritual home for many in the Waco area.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13418.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1873.
Location. 31° 33.86′ N, 97° 8.508′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker is at the intersection of North 5th Street (Farm to Market Road 1637) and Concord Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North 5th Street. The marker is located at the front of the CASA of McLennan County building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1208 North 5th Street, Waco TX 76707, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Forsgard House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Hope Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Waco Indian Village (approx. half a mile away); William Cameron Park (approx. half a mile away); The C.C. McCulloch House (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Lutheran Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F & A.M. (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rotan Drive (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.