“In 1872, seven former slaves started something remarkable.” That is the story of New Zion Hill Baptist Church. Led by Reverend Robert Grant, they formed New Zion Hill Baptist Church. It began in a brush arbor at Glenn and Humphreys Streets. This humble start touched lives for generations.
Early pastors like Jesse Davis, Cyrus Wilkins, and Crawford Holmes grew the church. Rev. W.W. Floyd led the construction of a wooden church building. The congregation continued to expand. Rev. Claude H. Robinson found a property on Georgia Avenue and McDaniel Street.
In 1926, Rev. J.T. Johnson became pastor. During the Depression, the church paid off its first mortgage. This was a significant achievement. Rev. Dr. Levi Terrell arrived in 1943. He was known as the musical pastor. He increased the church’s community impact.
Rev. Larry H. Williams became pastor in 1972. In 1976, New Zion Hill Baptist Church bought a location on Lynhurst Drive. The church paid off the mortgage under his leadership. They also started a Sunday morning radio ministry.
In 1994, a former youth minister returned. Rev. Dr. Aaron L. Parker became the pastor of New Zion Hill Baptist Church. He established the Care to Love Outreach Ministry. He implemented new music ministries. He also created the Rites of Passage Program. The church adopted the creed “Living to Love and Loving to Serve.”
Under Dr. Parker’s leadership, many ministries began. These included the Disciples Empowerment Summit and the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation. New Zion Hill Baptist Church added women deacons and couples ministries. They created ministries for men, women, and youth. More than 35 outreach ministries impacted the world.
The church acquired property. This included rental properties and land. They renovated the church building. In 2006, Dr. Parker led New Zion Hill Baptist Church. They embarked on “The Rock Project.” This was a building program to relocate the church.
In 2010, the first phase was complete. New Zion Hill Baptist Church moved to Campbellton Road. This expansion allowed the church to expand its services. New Zion Hill Baptist Church continues to live to love and serve. Dr. Parker has dedicated 30 years to New Zion Hill. He is also a professor at Morehouse College. He has mentored many students.
New Zion Hill Baptist Church has a clear mission. It aims to perpetuate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church ministers to those in need. Its ministry focuses on love and service. The goal is to edify the church. New Zion Hill Baptist Church addresses problems in the world community. The church has many adult ministries. These include the Brotherhood and Christian Education Ministry. There is also a ministry for young adults. The Fountain of Life ministry serves retired persons. The Matrons empower women through Christian ministry. The SIS Women’s Ministry encourages sisterhood. Each ministry engages in outreach. The Ushers Ministry serves as greeters. They ensure everyone feels welcome.
Since 1994, New Zion Hill has given millions to outreach. They support Morehouse College and other Atlanta schools. They provide disaster relief. New Zion Hill Baptist Church is a beacon of hope. It is a testament to faith and service.