Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

New Zion Baptist Church

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

1. New Zion Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. New Zion Baptist Church, the second oldest and largest black Baptist Church on Amelia Island, was founded on May 15, 1870 under the leadership of Reverend Lewis Cook (1834-1880). He and 69 parishioners held their first meeting in a stable on First Street and later in peoples’ homes. The 69 parishioners, supported by “Father Cook,” purchased the land for the church on April 1, 1878. The original wood church, built in 1881 on the present site, was destroyed by fire on the morning of February 11, 1907. The current structure, built on the same site and completed by November 1907, was constructed of cement brick veneer and remains unchanged today. William “Billy” Rivers, a well-known black contractor, supervised the project. Reverend P.A. Callaham, Bachelor of Divinity, served as Pastor. New Zion has a historical, cultural and spiritual significance, particularly during the segregation era, when it was the leading and largest church used for graduations and other community events. Under the leadership of 22 pastors, New Zion has for over 100 years contributed to the community and remains a cherished historical

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

site in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.

State Historic Site

Erected 2001 by The City of Fernandina Beach and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-443.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 1985.

Location. 30° 40.225′ N, 81° 27.425′ W. Marker is in Fernandina Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. It is on South Street near Atlantic Avenue (State Route 200) (State Road A1A), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 South Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast,

in Greater Jacksonville,

and on the Sea Islands.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate

New Zion Baptist Church Marker near Atlantic Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

2. New Zion Baptist Church Marker near Atlantic Avenue

States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nassau County American Revolutionary War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Missionary Baptist Church of Fernandina (about 400 feet away); St. Peter's Church (about 500 feet away); The Good Shepherd Church 1887-1966 (about 500 feet away); Trinity United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church of Fernandina (approx. 0.2 miles away); Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fernandina Beach.

New Zion Baptist Church and Marker along South Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012

3. New Zion Baptist Church and Marker along South Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,003 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.