History
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
Est. 1917
“One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism…” Ephesians 4:5
On February 17, 1917, a small group of people began holding prayer meetings in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and on June 6, 1917, having laid the foundation under the leadership of Reverend J.E. Roberson, Zion Baptist Church was organized at 48 Shore Road, Brooklyn, New York. The names of the founders were: Brother Lincoln Downing, Brother Alexander Clayborn, Brother Daniel Pugsley, Sister Estella Francis, Sister Fannie Montree, Sister Jane Downing, and Sister Ethel Hill.
Under the leadership of Reverend Roberson, the small group grew, and when Reverend Roberson departed after two years, they remained together, prayed, and fasted until God called Brother S. Scott, a Licentiate, to lead them. Brother Scott was ordained and became their pastor. After moving the congregation to 1108 Fulton Street, Reverend Scott resigned. Again, Zion was without a leader, and the remaining members began to drift away until there were only a faithful few remaining. Eventually, all of the original members left except Deacon Downing. He, along with approximately eight or nine members, waited, prayed, and believed that God would send a leader. On the second Sunday in October 1921, God honored their faith and sent to them Reverend Dr. B.J. Lowry.
By this time, Zion was worshipping on Atlantic Avenue near Washington Avenue. Dr. Lowry, with strong determination and faith in God, led them on at this place. With his dynamic preaching abilities and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, God added to Zion’s number rapidly. During this period of growth, the Church moved to 990 Fulton Street, where it remained for fourteen months. In June of 1924, they moved to 87 Irving Place, where Dr. Lowry incorporated the Church under the full name of Zion Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York Incorporated. They continued to grow, accumulate finances, organize clubs, and were on their way to building a lasting organization.
On July 1, 1924, God blessed them with the purchase of the property on which the present Zion stands. They took title and moved in on the same day. A dedication service was held in August of 1924. The Church grew from seven members in 1921 to more than 2,000 active and inactive members combined. On May 5, 1968, Zion held a Dedication and Communion Service for the B.J. Lowry Memorial Organ.
On Monday, January 15, 1973, Zion Baptist Church was recognized by the City of New York in the Borough of Brooklyn as being the first to host a Memorial Service in memory of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. It has evolved into an annual award ceremony where three different scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students with outstanding academic records.
The Fannie Montrie Educational Center was organized on June 17, 1973, and dedicated on October 2, 1977.
Dr. Lowry, knowing that his health was declining, appointed a Pulpit Committee. In 1984, after serving faithfully for 63 years, Dr. Lowry’s health began to fail, and he became Pastor Emeritus 1984. Upon Dr. Lowry’s transition on August 21, 1985, an era was ended and a chapter in the long history of Zion closed. The Pulpit Committee began to seek a new pastor on September 29, 1985. On February 9, 1986, Reverend M. Marquette Peace, Jr. was installed as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, and the journey of Pastor and people began.
By God’s grace, we have accomplished a lot. Pastor Peace is a man with vision and a strong commitment to the cause of Christ. “Boot Camp” (a series of classes on how to walk as a Christian), Unity and Community Evangelism, the Evangelistic Task Force Ministry, and the Deacon’s Watchcare Ministry were established in 1986.
On November 27, 1994, the Zion Baptist Church Bible Institute was officially opened and dedicated to the glory of God. We truly praise God for this Institute and the many lives that have been changed through Bible study and the resulting spiritual growth. We are especially thankful for the many students who have become active in ministries inside and outside of Zion because of studying the Word of God here. In 1996, a memorable and historic event took place when Sophie Meusa was the first female to be ordained a Reverend in Zion Baptist Church. Additionally, we were blessed to purchase property on St. James Place, and in February 1997, we praised God as we burned the mortgage.
On January 19, 1997, Pastor Peace announced a bold, innovative, and biblically supported move in Zion when he appointed twelve women to be trained as Deacons. On November 30, 1997, at 3:30 pm, we shared in a momentous and historic occasion when twelve women were ordained as Deacons. The twelve women were: Annie Barnes, Mary Cann, Velma Chapman, Yvonne Foulk, Estelle Ruffin, Colleen Herod, Linda John, Patricia Lewin, Nadeen McCall, Carol Petinaud, Rosa White, and Calotis Wingate.
On April 13, 1997, we had a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating our second van to transport our Seniors to and from Church.
On February 19, 1998, under the leadership of Pastor Peace and Deborah Kennedy, the Kids Praise Ministry was established. Kids Praise is where our children learn Christian values. Kids Praise also led to the creation of additional youth ministries such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Youth Praise, and Jr. Missionaries.
On January 27, 2002, Pastor Peace ordained four ministers: Annie Barnes, Patsy Haynes, Mittie P. Meriwether, and Winston Simmons.
On August 19, 2004, Zion acquired a 23-passenger bus designated for our Senior members. Subsequently, on October 2, 2004, a chair lift was installed to enhance accessibility. These enhancements enabled more seniors to attend services. Additionally, on June 27, 2007, a third church van was procured to facilitate transportation for our congregation members.
On November 22, 2009, renovation of the Education Building began. In June 2010, the renovation was completed one month ahead of schedule. On September 26, 2010, this newly named “Multi-Purpose Building,” previously known as the Fannie Montree Educational Center and the Zion Baptist Church Bible Institute, was dedicated back to God during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. God truly blessed this renovation as we seized the vision and moved by faith to make the vision a reality.
From February 25 to February 27, 2011, Zion Baptist Church organized its inaugural Youth Conference. The theme was “Youth Waging War,” 1 John 4:4. Approximately one hundred young individuals participated, with many dedicating their lives to Christ during that spiritually enriching and Holy Spirit-filled weekend.
On January 18, 2015, Pastor Peace commended Bro. Paul Dancy for his service to the Church by naming him an honorary Deacon. Consequently, under the leadership of Pastor Peace, aside from the Official Ministries, which include the Deacons and the Trustees, there are fifty-one Auxiliary Ministries.
On April 17, 2016, six Deacons received the title Deacon Emeritus. They were Deacon Mary Cann, Deacon Willie Foulk, Deacon Anthony Harvey, Deacon Clo Jackson, Deacon Robert Moore, and Deacon William Spencer.
In 2017, a notification to sell the St. James Place property was initiated in accordance with the procedures established by the Attorney General’s office and was approved by a recorded vote.
In May 2018, the property located at St. James Place was sold. Concurrently, Pastor Peace appointed the Renovation Committee. During Pastor Peace’s tenure, the second ordination of a female minister, Reverend Teresa Williams, took place in May 2018.
During the business meeting held on January 8, 2019, Pastor Peace conveyed to the congregation his imminent retirement. In anticipation of his departure, Pastor Peace appointed a Pulpit Committee pursuant to the By-Laws. In 2019, the Pulpit Committee began searching for a new pastor.
On January 26, 2020, after thirty-five years of dedication and obedience to his calling, Pastor Peace retired following his final sermon as Senior Pastor of the Zion Baptist Church. (An Addendum: Several years later, on April 16, 2023, Reverend Dr. Moses Marquette Peace Jr. transitioned from earthly life to eternal rest. On May 5, 2023, the Zion Family traveled to Philadelphia to commemorate his life at Monumental Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.)
On February 2, 2020, the Pulpit Committee appointed Reverend Teresa Williams as Interim Pastor. From March 2020 through April 2022, the doors of Zion were closed due to the COVID pandemic, including the impact of Hurricane Ida, which caused the fellowship hall to be closed in September 2021. Despite the physical closure of the church, divine providence enabled us to continue hearing His Word, studying His Word, and fulfilling our membership commitments through virtual means. Virtual services commenced on Zoom, and telephonic services facilitated the payment of tithes and offerings via online banking.
As the struggle to manage the pandemic continued and businesses were navigating a new normal in June 2021, the contract was signed for the renovation of the parsonage.
With God’s blessing on April 10, 2022, Palm Sunday, Zion Baptist Church reopened for in-Church Services. On May 22, 2022, by vote of the Church body, Reverend. Rudolph Coleman became Pastor-elect.
On September 9, 2022, Reverend Coleman executed the Official Pastoral Agreement. Following two years of service as Interim Pastor, Reverend Teresa Williams’s appointment concluded on November 13, 2022.
On November 20, 2022, Reverend Rudolph Coleman commenced his tenure as Pastor-elect. Following a brief period in office, Reverend Coleman resigned on February 26, 2023.
Several months later, on October 15, 2023, the Pulpit Committee called Rev. Brian Ware to serve as Interim Pastor.
In the subsequent year, on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the church body elected Reverend Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst as Pastor-elect through a formal voting procedure. On Saturday, September 27, 2024, Reverend Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst, Jr., signed the official Pastoral Agreement.
Following one year of service as Interim Pastor, Reverend Brian Ware’s assignment concluded on Sunday, October 27, 2025.
Zion Baptist Church, with great anticipation and excitement, eagerly welcomed the Reverend Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst, Jr. and his wife, First Lady Annette L Whitehurst, as he began his tenure as Pastor-elect on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
On February 22, 2025, Rev. Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst, Jr. was installed as the fifth Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, and the journey of Pastor and People began.
As we celebrate our 108 CHURCH ANNIVERSARY, 4,061 souls have come to Christ since 1986.
Zion’s Pastors
- Reverend J.E. Roberson 1917-1919
- Reverend S. Scott 1919 -?
- Reverend Dr. B. J. Lowry 1921-1985
- Reverend Dr. M. M. Peace 1986-2020 (passed in retirement 2023)
- Reverend Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst, Jr. 2024 – present