Church History

Church History

Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore was founded in 1892 by African Americans seeking religious freedom after facing restrictions in a white congregation. The church was established through prayer meetings at Mrs. Caroline Strother's home, leading to the decision to break away and form their own church named Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore in 1894 under the supervision of "Mother" Zion Baptist Church of Philadelphia.

In the past, parishioners worshipped in a small space before acquiring a plot in 1894 for a new church. Key figures like Essex Reid and Carl Conway facilitated the purchase. An ice cream parlor was relocated and used as the primary sanctuary until 1899 when construction of the current church began and was completed in 1899. The original frame building served as a chapel until it burned down in 1913.

In 1898, Rev. John D. Hewlett conducted the first wedding at Zion. Following him, Rev. Cunningham and Rev. Thompson held the position of pastors before Rev. H. B. Tilghman led the chapel reconstruction in 1915. In 1906 Rev. Cunningham and a few members left Zion and established Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.  Rev. Joseph R. Rich established a parsonage and launched a credit union. In 1944, Rev. Joseph J. Banks paid off a mortgage. Rev. Leonard M. Jones introduced new initiatives, such as a scholarship fund.

In November 1970, Rev. Dr. James A. Pollard became the Youth Minister following the passing of Rev. Leonard Jones. At just 22 years old, Rev. Pollard took on the role of interim pastor and officially became the pastor at Zion on May 25, 1971. Consequently, Rev. Pollard holds the record for being the longest-serving pastor in Zion's history. Alongside his wife, Virginia, Rev. Pollard is a respected leader within our community. The prayers of Zion's founders are now woven into the vibrant history of Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore.