Little Zion Methodist Church

“A church built from a boathouse?” you might ask. Indeed, the Little Zion Methodist Church has a truly unique origin story. Little Zion Methodist Church stands as a testament to the power of faith and community. Its story began not within these walls, but in a Belleville barn, where Civil War veterans, known as the “Boys in Blue,” gathered for Bible study led by First Sergeant Joseph Wells. These meetings sparked a desire for a dedicated space for worship within the Black community. In 1881, Augustus Sloan, another Civil War veteran, joined forces with Joseph Wells and the Sloan brothers, William and Henry, to address this need. Mrs. Nettie Sisco opened her home for the first organizational meeting, marking the birth of the Belleville Sunday School Mission. The founding members included Hannah Peterson, Mrs. Owens, Mrs. Sisco, Amelia Sloan, the Bakemans, the Benjamin Browns, Augustus, Henry, and William Sloan, William Wells, and Joseph Wells. The mission flourished, becoming part of the Union American Methodist Episcopal Conference. In 1886, the church acquired the land here at 154-156 Stephens Street. The challenge then became raising funds to build. Benjamin Brown laid the foundation. Augustus Sloan had a stroke of ingenuity. He purchased a disused boathouse from the Neriod Boat Club on the Passaic River. This boathouse was transported intact to this very spot. The cornerstone was laid in 1888, thanks to the generosity of the four founding fathers and Amelia Sloan. The first pastor of Little Zion Methodist Church was Rev. David M. Wells, a Civil War veteran, followed by his brother, Joseph. Throughout its history, the church has benefited from the support of members from the Dutch Reform and Wesley Methodist Churches. Strong family ties within the congregation have also played a crucial role in keeping the church’s doors open. In 1976, Little Zion welcomed the members of Harmon Church, uniting under the leadership of Rev. Prince Hamilton and Rev. John Williams. Today, Little Zion Methodist Church continues to serve its community within the original, repurposed boathouse, a symbol of resilience, commitment, and enduring faith.