Zion Baptist was founded by Rev, Richard J. Jackson (exact date unknown). On April 30th 1896 he called a meeting for the purpose of becoming a corporation with a Certificate of Incorporation being received on May 30th 1896. Its original location was said to be on the corner of Pine and Dobson Streets. 

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In 1918 Rev. Lewis H. Bayneum preached his first sermon at Waugh M.E. Church and shortly after he became Pastor Zion following Rev, Alvin Bailey. Upon its destruction by fire in 1921 Rev. Bayneum along with eight members purchased a building on Cross St. know then as a pool room for one thousand converted it into a church and began remodeling. Rev. Bayneum used much of his own livelihood as a mortician to make Zion a better church.

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From 1945 to 1954, the Senior Choir was on Radio Station W.A.N.N. Annapolis each Sunday morning under the direction of Mrs. Verdella Bayneum Boardley.

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After the death of Rev.Lewis H. Bayneum on October 17th 19524, Rev, Ernest Sutton became Pastor of Zion until 1959.

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In 1959, Rev. Conrad J. Branch became Pastor of Zion and much progress was made under his leadership. The membership grew rapidly, and the church grew spiritually. On July 24th 1967 Zion Baptist Church was once again destroyed by fire. with: Bro. John Ball, Bro, James Palmore, Bro George King, Bro. the following members

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During this time Zion held service at Bethel A.M.E. Church and was also given permission to hold services at the Calvin Mowbray Park building while Zion was being rebuilt.

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In 1969 the rebuilding of Zion Baptist Church became a reality. At that time Zion had the following Deacons: Deacon Alfred Lemon, (Chairman) Deacon James Riley, Deacon George Jenkins, and Deacon Ethridge Camper. The Trustees Bro. Floyd Keene, Bro. Cecil Keene, Bro. Wiliam Hardison, Bro. John Ball, Bro.George King and Bro. Theadore Bishop, Sr.. Zion also started two new organizations during this time: The Emergency Club with Rev. John Simpson as president and the following members:  Bro. John Ball, Bro, James Palmore, Bro George King, Bro. Theadore Bishop, Bro. James Spruill, Bro. John Collins, Bro. Irvin Keene, Bro. Bernard Johnson,, Bro. Roosevelt Bynum, Bro. Eugene Jones and Bro. Joseph W. Wilson.

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The Willing Workers Club organized by Sis. Cleola Pattrick (pre.) members Sis. Drucilla Simpson, Sis. Aneita Camper, Sis. Marion Collins, Sis Bertha Stanley, Sis. Delores Watts, Sis. Ruby Cordell, Nellie Hope and others. The Emergency Club paid for the church furniture.

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After the death of Rev. Conrad J. Branch on August 16th 1986, the mortgage for Zion was paid off on January 12th 1987 and Rev. William A. Hitchens, Sr. was installed on March 15th 1987. Rev. William A. Hitchens, Sr. served until June 12th 2002.

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Zion Baptist Church pressed on without a pastor, being led by the Holy Spirit until May 5th 2003 when a man if God Elder Craig N. Mathies, Sr. was voted Pastor Elect. With him came a help meet suitable to God, his loving wife our Leading lady Elder Clarice B. J. Mathies. On Saturday-August 23rd2003 Elder Mathies was officially installed as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church.

 

Pastor Craig N. Mathies Sr. along with the assistance of his Ministerial Staff: Elder Clarice B.J. Mathies, Minister Joseph W. Wilson , Minister Endea J. Small and Elder Kirkland J.  Hall, Sr.. Deacon Ministry: Deacon Oscar Lee George, Deacon William Sinclair Ellis, Sr. and Deacon Barry M. Pinder

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Zion is making a difference in the community and in the lives of many and will Follow peace with all men, and holiness with out which no man shall see the Lord.    Hebrews 12:14

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