Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (1867 - 2017)
Our Humble Beginning
The Reverend John Jasper founded Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1867. Typical of the desperate conditions for many African-Americans in Richmond immediately after the Civil War, Sixth Mount Zion was originally organized in an abandoned confederate horse stable on Brown's Island along the shores of the James River.
Large numbers of African Americans were drawn to Jasper's charismatic ministry. The rapidly growing congregation moved to its present location in 1869, and is credited with being the first church in the city of Richmond that was organized by an African- American preacher. Promoted by the local newspapers, black and white Richmonders flocked to the church to hear Jasper's celebrated sermons. He reached the pinnacle of his career when he delivered his sermon "De Sun Do Move," from the pulpit of Sixth Mount Zion Church. It was a powerful statement of faith that became famous all over the United States and abroad.
Through the Years
Seven pastors have led Sixth Mount Zion during its long history, including Dr. Augustus Walter (A.W.) Brown who served for over forty-three years until his death in 1967. Greatly admired for his leadership and faithful dedication, Dr. Brown was instrumental in defending the church from destruction when Interstate 95 was built in downtown Richmond in 1957. Our current pastor is the Rev. Tyrone Nelson, and under his leadership, the church has embraced our history while remaining relevant in the 21st century.
The Historical Significance
The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the church with two historical highway markers--one at the church site in downtown Richmond, and another in Fluvanna County near the birthplace of John Jasper. Residing within the historic Jackson Ward District, the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. In 2004, the Richmond City Council honored the church with a special designation as a local "historic district," encompassing the 3 acres of land on which it stands, the only black church in Richmond to receive this distinction.
Regarded as one of the nation's pioneering churches in the field of historic preservation, the church opened its John Jasper Memorial Room and Museum in January 1926. Bibles, books, paintings, clothing, ceremonial artifacts, and furniture make up the memorabilia that visitors see when they visit. Chief among these items are a golden bust of John Jasper made in 1904, a rare stone taken from Mount Zion in Jerusalem, presented to the church in 1924, and a commemorative quilt. The 10x15 foot historical quilt was created in 1997 to mark the church's 130th anniversary and is composed of 40 panels portraying the many organizations which make up church life.
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, “Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church,” African American Historic Sites Database, accessed January 15, 2017.
The Reverend John Jasper founded Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1867. Typical of the desperate conditions for many African-Americans in Richmond immediately after the Civil War, Sixth Mount Zion was originally organized in an abandoned confederate horse stable on Brown's Island along the shores of the James River.
Large numbers of African Americans were drawn to Jasper's charismatic ministry. The rapidly growing congregation moved to its present location in 1869, and is credited with being the first church in the city of Richmond that was organized by an African- American preacher. Promoted by the local newspapers, black and white Richmonders flocked to the church to hear Jasper's celebrated sermons. He reached the pinnacle of his career when he delivered his sermon "De Sun Do Move," from the pulpit of Sixth Mount Zion Church. It was a powerful statement of faith that became famous all over the United States and abroad.
Through the Years
Seven pastors have led Sixth Mount Zion during its long history, including Dr. Augustus Walter (A.W.) Brown who served for over forty-three years until his death in 1967. Greatly admired for his leadership and faithful dedication, Dr. Brown was instrumental in defending the church from destruction when Interstate 95 was built in downtown Richmond in 1957. Our current pastor is the Rev. Tyrone Nelson, and under his leadership, the church has embraced our history while remaining relevant in the 21st century.
The Historical Significance
The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the church with two historical highway markers--one at the church site in downtown Richmond, and another in Fluvanna County near the birthplace of John Jasper. Residing within the historic Jackson Ward District, the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. In 2004, the Richmond City Council honored the church with a special designation as a local "historic district," encompassing the 3 acres of land on which it stands, the only black church in Richmond to receive this distinction.
Regarded as one of the nation's pioneering churches in the field of historic preservation, the church opened its John Jasper Memorial Room and Museum in January 1926. Bibles, books, paintings, clothing, ceremonial artifacts, and furniture make up the memorabilia that visitors see when they visit. Chief among these items are a golden bust of John Jasper made in 1904, a rare stone taken from Mount Zion in Jerusalem, presented to the church in 1924, and a commemorative quilt. The 10x15 foot historical quilt was created in 1997 to mark the church's 130th anniversary and is composed of 40 panels portraying the many organizations which make up church life.
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, “Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church,” African American Historic Sites Database, accessed January 15, 2017.