During the years since its founding in 1880, Zion Baptist Church has experienced numerous changes in site, appearance and leadership. In these one hundred thirty-four years, only ten pastors have served the congregation; eighty-six continuous years under the leadership of the Rev. Drs. William and Charles Epps.

Established by Rev. Williams as a store-front mission on Johnston Avenue with twelve members, Zion Baptist changed locations five times during its first fifty years with stops on Grand, Montgomery, Orchard, and Monmouth Street under the leadership of Pastors Dudley, Fitzgerald, Coleman, Rice, and Brooks.

Installed as Zion seventh pastor in 1919, Rev. William A. Epps and his congregation acquired the current facility on the corner of Ocean and Bramhall Avenue in 1931, in the midst of the great depression, to accommodate the ever-increasing number of congregants. During his forty-two years as pastor, Rev. William A. Epps earned a reputation as an inspiring preacher and teacher and saw eight of his members answer the call to the ministry. Passing in 1961, Rev. Epps left a legacy which would reach far into the future and a church that was financially solvent.

In December 1961, Zion’s members decided unanimously to invite Rev. Dr. Charles T. Epps, Sr. to succeed his father and accept the pastorate. Almost immediately, an extensive renovation program was initiated which saw the modernization of the parish house and office building.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Charles T. Epps, Sr., which continued until his death in 2005 at age eighty-seven, the church made a remarkable spiritual and material progress. Fashioned after Solomon’s Temple in the Old Testament, Zion Baptist Church has maintained it sanctity, solemnity, and beauty through careful preservation of its architectural styles. Expanding to meet the needs of the growing congregation. Zion Baptist’s facilities now include the Rev. Dr. William A. Epps Education Center across the street at 2 Madison Avenue.

In January 2006, Rev. Vincent S. McDonald was appointed to serve as Interim Pastor while a committee was established to plan a search for a pastor. On September 10, 2008 Rev. Mark C. Birdsong was elected as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church. Under his pastorate our church has taken a spiritual change as we continue to up-lift and magnify the name of Jesus Christ. Under the leadership of Pastor Mark C. Birdsong we’re blessed to have new Deacons, Deaconesses and Trustees. Our music ministry has been revamped the Lord has blessed us with a Youth Choir and Youth Ministry’s. We’ve been blessed to make renovations to God’s house and the Lord has added to our church family and we give God Praise for that and yes the strong powerful preaching of this anointed vessel of God who proclaims the word to us each Sunday. Our Pastor’s Vision for church is “Zion a Church that’s on the Move for Jesus”, taken from Philippians 3:13 we give praise for all of his many Blessing’s that he continues to send our way.

Having been blessed with nationally renowned palpitations for a century and a quarter, Zion Baptist Church has always, and continues today to fulfill the primary objective of the gospel; spread the word that Jesus Christ is both God! For its work in enhancing the lives of so many for so long. Zion Baptist offers thanks to the Lord for being sun-kissed in defining the role of the children of God.