Mount Zion Baptist church

Did you ever hear of a church built, torn down, rebuilt, and moved? The Mount Zion Baptist Church here in Savannah has a fascinating, resilient history. This church is not just a building. It’s a testament to the unwavering faith of its congregation. Mount Zion Baptist Church began its journey in 1873 as Mount Zion Williamson Creek Baptist Church. It stood humbly on the San Antonio Highway in a small settlement called Williamson Creek. The visionary leader who guided its inception was Reverend Jacob Fontaine. Disaster struck in 1883. A flood ravaged the area, destroying the church building. Undeterred, the congregation held services in homes. Three determined trustees, Alfred Overton, Monroe Johnson, and Luke Sneed, found new land. The church was rebuilt with the help of Reverend A. R. Walker. Sadly, Reverend Fontaine passed away in 1898. The church continued to thrive under successive leaders. In 1945, Reverend S. A. Davis took the helm, guiding the congregation of around 162 members. A significant change occurred in 1946. The Mount Zion Baptist Church moved to the city, sharing services with Mount Moriah Baptist Church. In 1948, the original church building was demolished. A new structure was erected at 2942 East 13th Street. The church also adopted its current name, Mount Zion Baptist Church. Reverend Davis served for 24 years until his passing in 1969. Reverend G. V. Clark assumed leadership in 1970. Under his guidance, the church expanded. A parsonage was purchased in 1970. In 1972, additional lots were acquired at the church’s present location. The congregation moved into a new edifice in 1979. This larger sanctuary could accommodate 1200 members with room for 300 more. The old edifice at 2942 East 13th Street was renovated and renamed the S. A. Davis Fellowship Hall in 1980. Further renovations occurred in 2002. The church continued to acquire property. This included the G. V. C. Activity Center in 1983, lots on East 13th and Harvey in 1986, land for the Mt. ZARC (Zion Action Recovery Center) in 1992, and more properties on 12th, 13th, and 14th streets between 1996 and 2002. Mount Zion Baptist Church’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and community.