In 1888, a group of people in Southside saw the need for a greater fellowship and spiritual help among themselves. A weekly prayer meeting developed and they began meeting from house to house. The worship increased rapidly, thus the homes proved inadequate for such large numbers of people.
The idea was then formed among these people that they should organize a church. These founders were Rev. Moses Wilkes, who later became the first pastor of the church, Brothers Joseph F. Bebbs, Randall Jones, Henry Coleman, Archer Taylor, Henry Stevenson, John Wright, Cary Richardson. Sisters Millie Moon, Maria Liggins, and Martha Bacon.
There have been three buildings erected. The first was pulled down. The second burned down and the third is our present building. The first two were named 22nd Street Baptist Church, and the last one Zion Baptist Church. It was named by the late Rev. W.T. Anthony. Rev. Anthony died before the present church was completed. The ministers who have served this church during its history are as follows: Reverends Moses Wilkes, Charles Coleman, James Burks, W.R. Ashburn, W. T. Anthony, J.W. Dudley, J. J. Harris, M.T. Fleming, and Robert L. Pettis. All of these men played well their parts in the pastoral relay, with their time in service and their talents. All of their labors culminated to bring ZION to its present status of worth and respect in the community. (Please view the full history of ZBC below)