The first settlers found their
way to the area in 1840. They were joined in 1845 by a group of settlers
from Alabama let by Rev. James Isaac Hicks. Rev. Hicks led residents
in the organization of the Mt. Zion Church in 1856.
Celestine LaFleur donated an
acre of land, logs, and flooring to build a church. Mr. Watson donated
four acres for the church and a cemetery. In later years, T.T. Shumate
and Thomas Quinalty have given land to the church.
The first services were held
under the trees. After Anthony Shaw and his son John cleared the
area of trees, the congregation pitched in to help build the church.
Their first
service in the new building was held in August
1858. Classrooms were later added onto the side of the structure.
In 1891, the church sponsored
construction of the Mt. Zion College. It was a prominent education
institution in the area at that time.
The wood structure was later
replaced with the present brick sanctuary in 1956. |
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