About Us

The Zion Grove Baptist Church was organized July 8th, 1913 under an enormous oak tree in the back yard of the first mother, Mother Mary Jackson at 27 Benjamin Street, S. W., Atlanta, Georgia. Rev. Will Morris presided during the organizing and the church was named Zion Grove Baptist Church. The first elected officers were as follows:

• C. Balls, Chairman of the Deacons Board
• Mother Mary Jackson, President of the Mothers Board
• Deacon W. M. Parker, Superintendent of the Sunday School
• Deacon Anthony Smith, the first Bible Class teacher
• Ora B. Whiters, Secretary of the Church
• W. M. Hampton was the first pastor.

A one-room house, just a few doors up the street from the place where the church was organized, was the first place of worship.

• The Deacon Board was organized July 8th, 1913 under the pastorate of Rev. Hampton. The first chairman was Dea. C. H. Balls.
• The Mother’s Board was also organized in July of 1913.
• G. Y. Marshman was called to pastor. He labored with us untiringly and under his guidance we were able to move to a larger, more suitable place, which was a little store on the corner of Leonard and Chapel Streets S. W.
• 1920, Rev. W. G. Thomas was called to lead us. The church continued to grow.
• The Missionary Society was organized in 1920 by Mrs. O. F. Bell, a missionary organizer from Zion Hill Baptist Church. Sis. Ora B. Whiters was the first president. Sis Annie Mae Goolsby, being a devout Christian, would always stand at the door and greet and seat people.
• Thomas decided an usher board was needed. Sis. Goolsby said she would get someone to work with her and in 1923 Usher Board Number One, the first usher board was formed with Sis. Goolsby, Bro. Charlie Harris and Bro. Hurley Thomas.

In 1928 Rev. J. C. Alexander was called to lead the flock.  Auxiliaries took on new growth. We started a prayer meeting week.

• In 1929 Choir # 1 was organized under the pastorate of Rev. Alexander and the first piano was purchased. Sis. Sara Camps was the first President and served faithfully until death. Sis. Alma Scott was Vice-President;
• The choir was trained by Rev. H. Foster, a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. After six weeks when the choir had finished it’s training, Love and harmony was our motto.
• Communion day was set for every first Sunday at the 3 o’clock service.
• A baptismal pool was built beneath the pulpit.

In 1932 we were able to move into our new location at 446 Stonewall Street, S. W. By doing so an historical event happened. Pilgrim Baptist Church, where Rev. W. M. Wilson was Pastoring, along with his members, namely; it was decided the two churches, Zion Grove and Pilgrim, would consolidate and become one. The name would be The Zion Grove Baptist Church.

On the 1st Sunday in October, 1946 Rev. J. H. Lockett accepted the pastoral calling from Zion Grove Baptist Church. He began working right away to strengthen our fellowship.

In April, 1969, Rev. H. D. Freeman was called to pastor at Zion Grove. Under his pastorage and leadership, and with the help of God, the church has continued its progress.

In September 2000, Rev. and Sis. H. D. Freeman had the vision to begin orientation sessions with all new members joining Zion Grove. Also included were members of each auxiliary. These session have continued since that time.

In 2008, Zion Grove and New Hope Baptist Church began an Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship Service on Thanksgiving Morning.

In 2009, The Bereavement Ministry became operational. Dea. John Watson was ordained the 5th Sunday in August.

2012, the PA system platform was completed.

March 2nd — 24th, 2013, Zion Grove Baptist Church celebrated our, “100th Church Anniversary”. Our theme: “100 years of Praying, Preaching and Praising the Lord.” Sis. Sharon Hayes served as the Chairperson.

In 2014, the church replaced the entire roof of the church without seeking financing. The roof was worked on in three phases and at the end of phase three, the bill was PAID in FULL!!! Thank you Lord for all You have done for us.
We are thankful, that by the grace of God, “We have come a long way”!

In 2015 – 2016, the church added and replaced the following:
Audio/TV Screens (3); Surveillance Cameras (Security Outside); Remodel and dedicated the Chapel to First lady Sis. Estella Freeman (Deaconess Board with help and assistance from the Christian Women of Helping Hands); Add new Chandeliers with beautiful lighting to the Church Sanctuary.

In 2017 – Zion were blessed with beautiful chairs for the Choir Stand.  An electronic information sign was installed; the musician’s area was remodeled to accommodate ample space needed for all musicians.

We are so thankful that by the grace of our Lord God, “We have come a long way and are still growing in Christ the Lord!