History of Zion Baptist Church

God has blessed our congregation for 97 years. When a vision was given in 1912 to Rev Henry Estis to organize a church in the west end of Chillicothe. No doubt there were those who doubted and may have said why do we need another church. Nevertheless, Rev Estis pressed on and found some people who were vision followers and believed that faith was the evidence of things not seen. By that faith God provided an empty building owned by Mrs Emaline Johnson on the corner of Mill and Locust Streets.

Folks in the neighborhood could feel that something great was about to happen, so they began to lend their support and did so in tangible ways. Child, they got that building ready and were ready to give up some praise! The Spirit was so high after that first service they then went into a revival.

Rev Estis then consulted with Rev C A Jones, Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church at Anderson Station Road as to the proper procedures in the establishment of a Baptist Church. Following the advice of Rev Jones the candidates were baptized through Ebenezer Baptist Church. In June 1912, the newly baptized congregation called a council together and organized the Zion Baptist Church. The Rev Henry Estis was the Pastor. One year later, after a year of progress the old devil reared his ugly head. (anytime God's doing something the devil works hard to stop it) Some disagreement occurred and Rev Estis resigned his pastorate. A year later Zion called as their Pastor the Rev C A Jones. He began his pasotrate in 1913. Under Rev Jones' leadership, the small building at Mill and Locust was remodeled in 1915 and again in 1920. A recreation hall was built, the Loyal Club, Esther Missionary Society and the Senior Choir was organized. Rev Jones preached the Wod of God Sunday after Sunday. Rev Jones took a church from a beginning with not many people but those who were willing to commit themselves to the task of saving souls for the Kingdom of God. There were many ups and downs but he pressed on toward the mark of the prize of the calling in Christ. Rev Jones served God and Zion until his death, July 30, 1948.

In October 1948, Rev Harold M Wingo, son-in-law of the late Rev Jones, accepted the call of the congregation. Rev Wingo immediately set up a building fund because there was a need for a new church building. In 1952, the old building at Mill and Locust was torn down to make room for a new edifice. The congregation met for 10 months at 224 Locust Street while the new church was under construction. What great faith of the members to follow the vision of the Pastor, to worship in a garage, to have the faith to start with a $1.00 bill and know the Lord will make a way some how. In 1953 after the basement was completed, the congregation began holding worship services there. Finally, the sanctuary was completed and dedicated June 14, 1953.

Under the inspired leadership of Pastor Wingo, many changes and improvements were accomplished. The number of choirs increased and real estate was bought. A parsonage was purchased. Pastor Wingo knew that without a vision the people would perish. Never did Pastor Wingo get satisfied and complacent. He knew that there was a work that needed to be done. He knew he might not be the one to get us to the new vision, but he and the membership of Zion laid the foundation through trusting and believing God is everything you need. Pastor Wingo was a true prophet from God. He walked what he talked and served faithful until God called him home and said, "Come on up a littler higher." In spite of all Pastor Wingo went through, especially health issues in his later years, he always gave the Word of God and would not allow anything to stop him from doing the Will of God. Pastor Wingo actually preached his eulogy the Sunday before he passed. Rev Wingo went on to be with the Lord the following Saturday, March 1992.

The Rev J Troy Gray became the fourth pastor of Zion Baptist on May 1, 1992. A meeting was called by the church and a unanimous vote was given to elect him as our new shepherd. Under his leadership, the church as prospered spiritually, financially, and educationally. Under his capable leadership a Van Ministry has been instituted, monthly men's and women's fellowship meetings, an usher board, a soup kitchen and clothing bank , a food pantry, and a tape ministry for those unable to attend church.The church facility is also handicap accessible.

In 1993, a partnership with the Chillicothe City Schools was formed. The goal of the partnership is to help students become more successful through tutoring. The Hattie Jackson Guild has been re-organized , and the youth program strengthened. In 1995, three young teens were ordained as junior Deacons. The Sunday School and the Vacation Bible School both continue to grow. Plans call for the establishment of an evening Sunday School to better meet the needs of the growing youth membership.

A Pastor's Service Ministry assists the Pastor in attending to the sick, the bereaved and in many other ways. The attendance at mid-week prayer service and Bible Study has increased. A class for new members has been instituted. The church membership is approximately 350, however, the outpouring of the Spirit has pricked men's souls, such that the membership roll grows weekly. Thirty three souls came forward from January 1 to June 16, 1996.

The realization of a dream was celebrated on March 24, 1996 when the Greater Zion Baptist Church was dedicated. The dedication sermon and service was brought by the Rev F Todd Gray and the Fifth Street Baptist Church of Richmond, VA. Prior to the Sunday celebration, a three-day Unity Retreat helped to restore and strengthen the current Zion family.

The expansion of the old facility totaled 12,000 square feet. The seating capacity of the sanctuary doubled to that of 400. Five new classrooms were added, as well as a pastor's study and conference room. The classroom in the annex (1979 addition) were converted to a mini chapel. The lower level of the addition houses a second kitchen and a fellowship hall that seats 250 people. The total dollar cost of this project was a half-a-million dollars.

God always has a way to bring about what He has ordained. Pastor Gray led the way by sacrificing his salary for the duration of the construction of the new structure. John Hortel, who felt the leading of the Holy Spirit, donated all the plans and architectural drawings. Others and the Church Family, obeying the Spirit, followed suit, and donated the accessories that were needed to furnish the new structure. Some of the accessories included: new lighting fixtures throughout the sanctuary, pews, carpeting, a baby grand piano and a new sound system.

Other blessings and manifestations of progress are; the institution of a nine member Deaconess Board that serves during communion and other duties, the establishment of a church newsletter, and the purchase of the property at 262 Locust Street.

A few years ago at about this same time, God gave our Pastor a Vision. We purchased 23 acres of land on Clinton Road. Through these past few years we have been through some tough times, but nevertheless, through God's grace ,we moved into our new sanctuary on June 27, 2004.

Over the past three years, we have had much growth, physically and spiritually. He who is faithful over a few things, God will make ruler over many. We thank God for allowing us to be a part of His plan. Today Zion celebrates 96 years of service to God and to think it all started with a $1.00 bill and a whole lot of faith. We bow this day and give reverence to God and to all that laid the foundation for us to be here today. Indeed, we can say, "We've Come This Far By Faith"