Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Living Sanctuary: Zion Baptist Church and Columbia's Civil Rights Struggle
— Our Story Matters —
Photographed By Dave W, May 29, 2023
1. A Living Sanctuary: Zion Baptist Church and Columbia's Civil Rights Struggle Marker
In the aftermath of Emancipation and the Civil War, African American churches were integral to the formation of strong communities across the American South. During the Jim Crow era, African American ministers and church members led social and civic organizations that championed race progress while challenging injustice and segregation.
Founded in 1865, Zion Baptist Church moved to this site (801 Washington Street) in 1871. As one of the largest African American congregations in Columbia, Zion became a meeting place for a number of clubs and organizations such as the NAACP and the Negro Citizens Committee, which was once led by Zion's pastor, the Reverend J. P. Reeder and church leader A. P. Williams, Jr. During the 1960s, Zion Baptist Church was a cornerstone of Columbia's civil rights movement and a safe haven for student activists who participated in downtown demonstrations.
Erected by Columbia SC 63.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 34° 0.124′ N, 81° 2.467′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Zion Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); South Carolina State Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Tribute To All U.S. Military Personnel On This Day Of Infamy (about 400 feet away); South Carolina Gold Star Families (about 400 feet away); USS Columbia CL-56 (about 400 feet away); US Navy WWII / The Sailor (about 400 feet away); China - Burma - India Veterans (about 400 feet away); The Columbia (S.C.) Holocaust Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . . Columbia SC 63.
Since 2012, Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters has successfully built a platform for the world to learn the stories of the brave men and women who participated in South Carolina’s march toward freedom.(Submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed By Dave W, May 29, 2023
2. A Living Sanctuary: Zion Baptist Church and Columbia's Civil Rights Struggle Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
