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 site in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.,
State Historic Site.
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 site in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.
State Historic Site
Erected 2001 by The City of Fernandina Beach and the
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Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-443.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. 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. Marker 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.
2. New Zion Baptist Church Marker near Atlantic Avenue
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 662 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
