Zion has not always been the prominent church it is today; outstanding in its worship, membership and fellowship in the city, state and nation. The church had a humble beginning, almost unpromising, when a group of eighteen organizers who were members of the old York Street Baptist Church, now the Calvary Baptist Church, decided to organize. Our people were only a decade removed from slavery and naturally were sensitive and on the alert to safeguard against any type of restriction to their right and spiritual response, Christian training and service. When the above organizers requested self government and free expression in the church, they met serious, relentless objection from the few leaders in control. As a result, in the spring of 1877, eighteen men and a few women withdrew from the York Street Baptist Church to organize another church. For over a year, they rented the old Smith Mill located at the Northeast comer of Preston and Broadway. Their effort to organize their cause seemed hopeless, because the denominational leaders of their own race refused to organize them. Their undying courage was rewarded, however, when two white pastors championed their cause and organized the small band of worshippers as the Zion Baptist Church on Thursday, August 8, 1878. They were Dr. John Lansing Burrows of the Broadway Baptist Church and the Reverend John Priest Green of the East Baptist Church. The eighteen charter members were Brothers Thomas L. Barrett, John Willis, J. S. Woods, Sandy Wells, Thomas P. Hill, Benjamin Smith, Andrew Jackson, Charles Ward, John Radford, Anthony Barrett, B. W. Welsh, Jerry Byars, Lewis Troutman, Nathaniel Caldwell, Edward Bowman, John Bums, Joseph Niln and Jerry Troutman.

The newly organized group found it impossible to maintain the hall in which it was meeting, but they did not become hopeless or helpless. It was not comfort that spurred their roaming spirits on, but their antagonistic environment kept them ever awake to their potentialities and possibilities. They were captured by masterful purpose of worshipping God according to the dictates of their own conscience and to give vent to their feeling as the Spirit directed. Soon they found a house for a meeting place known as Wingfield's Blacksmith Shop located on Ninth Street at Broadway -- but the rapid growth of the new congregation soon inspired the rental of an old church building on Broadway opposite Center Street, which had formerly been used as a carpenter shop and gymnasium. During the period of more than twelve months the Church existed without a pastor, but from time to time various ministers preached to them. Finally, the congregation grew large enough to feel it could support a pastor and elected Reverend Phil Alexander as its first pastor. In the first fifteen formative years of Zion, the Church elected six pastors. After Reverend Alexander's brief pastorate, the following were elected as pastors: Reverend W.R. Davis, Reverend M. M. Bell, Reverend R. T. Hoffman, Reverend G. E. Scott and Reverend W. M. Jamison.        

Under Reverend Jamison's ministry, the membership increased numerically strong enough to build a new church on Center Street (now called Armory Place). ;The cornerstone was laid by the Masonic Fraternity in March of 1882. Soon the edifice was completed and dedicated on July 9, 1882, with the Reverend A. Heath, pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church, preaching the dedicatory sermon. A new church, with stained glass windows and an organ, gave the members a new sense of pride. Reverend Jamison was well loved by the membership but failing health cut short his pastoral services. During his illness, he engaged the Reverend W. H. Craighead to conduct services for him. When Reverend Jamison realized he would not be well again, he advised the congregation to accept Reverend Craighead as pastor. At Reverend Jamison's death in 1893, the Church extended the "call" to Reverend Craighead as pastor. It was under the pastorate of Reverend Craighead that vast crowds began to gather at Zion. His great soul was characterized by love, humility and spiritual preaching. His expressions of "Walk Sir" and "Great God from Mount Zion" as the Spirit inspired him to shake the railing around the pulpit will ever be remembered by many. Through his power to win souls and to hold them by his faithful guidance, Zion became recognized as the largest and leading church of the state.

First Church Building of Zion at Center Street (now called Armory Place)

Within thirty-five years of his pastorate, the congregation outgrew the edifice on Center Street. There was an urgent need for new and larger quarters. The Church selected a buying committee to seek and recommend a larger place. The committee inspected several locations for sale, including the large ice plant at Nineteenth and Walnut. The idea of buying and renovating the ice plant building seemed impractical to the membership. The committee found that Negroes were buying in the vicinity of Twenty-second and Walnut, thus the white membership decided to move. After thoroughly inspecting the edifice, the committee was convinced that, besides the spaciousness of the building, the site was also a strategic location for the membership. Upon the recommendation of the committee and a thorough inspection of the building by the members, the Church voted, unanimously to empower the Committee to complete the purchase. The purchase was made on November 12, 1927, and houses a spacious auditorium for worship, and an Ed cational building with thirty-eight rooms including a chapel, dining hall and kitchen. The congregation began worshipping in the building on Sunday, December 9, 1928. Not only did Reverend Craighead realize his cherished dream of a larger edifice, but he lived to see the membership of Zion grow to be the largest church in the state. He saw the Church grow from a mere worship service to twenty-two auxiliaries that increased the efficiency of both the leadership and the membership of the Church.

Zion exterior and interior photographs at time of purchase in 1927

At the death of Reverend Craighead on August 22, 1942, in the Church he loved and served so well, Reverend G. H. Winstead, a member of the Church, suggested that the congregation allow him to assist in liquidating the indebtedness of the Church before selecting a permanent pastor. Because Reverend Winstead had been faithful in conducting services and assisting the officers and members, his suggestion was accepted. After he served the unexpired term of 1942 caused by Reverend Craighead's death, the Church extended the "call" to Reverend Winstead for one year. At the end of that time, with a balance still due, he was elected to a second term. Within a little more than a two-year period, under the leadership of Reverend Winstead, the Church was cleared of debt. As a token of appreciation and gratitude, the Church elected him for a third term which terminated that particular service. Then the Church prayed earnestly for a permanent pastor. During this period, Reverend Isaiah Wright, a member of the Church, served as supply pastor until a pastor was elected.

Reverend D. E. King, then pastor of Washington Street Church in Paducah Kentucky, was recommended as a gifted preacher, builder, pastor and able leader. An invitation was extended to Reverend King and he preached on June 9, 1946. The congregation was so moved by his preaching that on July 17, 1946 the congregation elected him as Pastor. He accepted the "call" and assumed his duties on Sunday December 1, 1946.   

During his pastorate of eighteen years, a completely renovated sanctuary and educational building were erected. Also, to the twenty-two auxiliaries, Reverend King organized sixteen more. The West End Day Care Center which was housed in the adjoining building was credited to him as its founder. On November 4 and November 11, 1956, thirteen white members led by Reverend Willard P. Macy and family and some members from Weaver Memorial Baptist Church joined Zion, making Zion the first interracial church in Kentucky since slavery. Also, Reverend King preached in many foreign countries. However, Reverend King's most worthy service has manifested in the spirit by which he unified the membership. He created in the members a deeper faith, a spirit of joy and loyalty that has ever increased.   

After a fruitful ministry of eighteen years in the Church and community Reverend King accepted the call to the Friendship Baptist Church in New York City. The Church again sought a pastor. Reverend Charles White, a member of the Church served in a faithful and humble manner until the selection of a pastor. Even after the election of the new pastor, he continued to serve his Church as the need arose.   

Being highly recommended as a Christian minister and leader, Reverend A.D. Williams King was unanimously elected to serve as Pastor in November 1964. He had preached at Zion on other occasions and the congregation sought this God fearing minister as pastor. He accepted the "call" in January 1965 and assumed his duties in February 1965. Pastor King made several recommendations which were heartily accepted by the Church. Many new organizations were instituted in the Church as various committees -Membership, Stewardship, Cultural, Social Action, Sick and Social Service, Scholarship and Historical Commission. He also instituted the January through December Month Clubs, which were designed to include every member of the Church to embrace the fellowship among members; a federally operated Credit Union which is giving service to all and a Benevolent Society whose membership is ever increasing. On the community level, the Kentucky Branch of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was initiated and outgrew its quarters in the adjoining building and later moved to larger quarters. At the Governor’s request, Reverend King was invited to witness the signing of the Civil Rights Bill by Governor Breathitt, making Kentucky the first state below the Mason-Dixon Line to sign. Later he was invited by President L. B. Johnson to witness a Civil Rights Conference in the nation's capitol. A new parsonage was purchased where many meetings and social gatherings were enjoyed by the members. A Youth for Christ Program was instituted. Out of this program grew a rewarding and spiritual three-day retreat which was experienced by the young people. When the Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress of Progressive Baptist Convention met in our city, Reverend King served as Chairman of Testimonial and Divine Services.   

Reverend King led in the protests when the Urban Renewal made plans to ghettoize Negroes in the West End. They later withdrew their plans. In a turbulent battle for open housing, he led the protests and marches, exposing himself to bodily harm. The city finally adopted a workable housing ordinance.   

In April of 1968 when tragedy struck the family in the useless and brutal slaying of his brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he redoubled his efforts to help the poor and the downtrodden. Many areas may never have been reached had not this man of God come to our city. Traveling under sealed orders from God; when the seal was broken, a new field was divulged to him, by God. His new endeavor was to take him back home to Atlanta to serve as Co-Pastor with his father in Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tragedy struck the family again when he was called home to God just ten days before his thirty-ninth birthday. His untimely death came as a shock to the church family and the nation.   

When Reverend King left the church and city in August of 1968, Zion went into earnest prayer for God's divine guidance in selecting a shepherd. In every meeting, prayers to mark the man of God so we would know him were our sincere request. Several good ministers were heard and our hearts were made to rejoice as they spoke out; "Thus saith the Lord . . . ." During this interim, we were blessed to have Larry Hunt, a member of the Church, known for his sincerity of purpose Christian experience to serve. Also, Reverend Arthur L. Roberts our assistant pastor and Reverend W.C. King, pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church was always ready to serve Zion. The other ministers helped to share in this great responsibility as did the excellent Deacon Board. The Pulpit Committee, the deacons and the members were of one accord in the seriousness of this matter. At the close of the period designated for hearing, ministers, the Church felt it was ready to hold an election. Said election was held in November 1968 and a candidate was unanimously elected to serve the congregation. This was not in God's plan and the members had faith that God was still on his throne and in His time would send us a shepherd.   

In January 1969 the Progressive Baptist Convention's Annual Foreign Mission Drive was scheduled to be held in our city. The speaker who was scheduled to speak in our pulpit canceled the engagement due to illness. On such short notice the Pulpit Committee could not get another speaker, so the Deacons, ever alert to fill the pulpit, sought the minister who was responsible for bringing the speaker to the city in the person of Reverend W. J. Hodge, pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church. The substitute speaker agreed to preach for us on Sunday morning and the hearts of the congregation were so stirred at this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Members began seeking to see if this minister of God would permit his name to be run as a candidate for the pastorate of the Church. The minister left the city with Zion on his heart. In a few weeks, after prayerful consideration he allowed the Church to run his name. There was a unanimous vote for this minister, Reverend H. D. Cockerham, our present pastor. His humble spirit, his kind, and understanding manner, his endeavor to shepherd this flock; along with the fact that he is a Christian minister of God who is reaching out to the "whole man" -- in the Church and in the community. With his leadership, Zion was again reaching up to that place in the city, community and nation where she can draw men to her. Winning souls to Christ is foremost in his heart. The word was soon spread about the spiritual messages the Pastor was feeding the flock and others came to share in this great fellowship. He has preached in and out of state and in foreign countries.   

It is a pleasure to review the accomplishments of our pastor and to reflect upon the blessings that have come our way since he first accepted the "call" to this Church. The blessings have been many --- so many that our choirs may well sing with fervor and sincerity: "We've come a long way, Lord: we've come a long way!"   

When the Reverend H. Donald Cockerham came to assume his duties as pastor of Zion Baptist Church, he found a congregation with ranks somewhat depleted by loss of some members who grew weary of waiting for permanent leadership and direction. With characteristic aplomb and an attack on first things first, Pastor Cockerham's first task was to unify and rebuild the floundering church body by calling for prayer and rededication on the part of every member. When the stability of the Church appeared to be restored, he addressed himself to the second most pressing need -- the liquidation of the outstanding debt of the Church. To achieve this goal he proposed a plan -- a mammoth tea that would draw upon the resources and talents of the religious community at large. The unqualified success of the first Expansion Tea will long be remembered, the second gave added impetus and the third made possible an impressive ceremonial burning of the mortgage against the Church. The congregation was heard to breathe a collective sigh of relief when after the fourth Expansion Tea, announcement was made that the Church was free of allindebtedness, including the mortgage against the parsonage having been paid in full.   

By popular demand, the teas were repeated annually until 1988. The proceeds from the teas filled our coffers and we are now corporate owner of fifteen separate parcels of real estate, twelve of which have been converted to the use of much needed parking lots. Other noteworthy improvements made during Pastor Cockerham's early tenure were the complete renovation of the nursery, improvements as needed throughout areas of the Church, including the addition of a library, a men's lounge, and a complete new heating system. Due to necessity, a security system was installed at the Church and at the parsonage. The bright new hymnals that grace the holders in every pew were purchased by members at the suggestion of the pastor. During Pastor Cockerham's administration our church reached its 100th year of existence and a historic marker has been permanently installed outside the building. This was accomplished with the help of Senator Georgia Davis Powers.   

In 1985 a new roof was installed and the entire church was tuck pointed. In 1987, on the advice of the insurance company, Plexiglas was installed over the stained glass windows in the sanctuary. In 1988, the Church solicited a written proposal from Trinity Church Builders and Trinity Design Group for the construction of a church annex that was being considered by the congregation. In 1989, The Bud Church Furnishings Company was recommended for the task of padding the church pews. This renovation was one that every member of the Church truly appreciated. In 1990, the new annex came into fruition and the church offices were relocated. The old offices were then renovated into a workroom and a Counseling Office. Much to Pastor Cockerham's delight, his office was given a bright and cheerful "facelift" and Craighead Fellowship Hall was carpeted. Towards the end of 1991, a new church bus was bought and our senior members are now able to ride to church in style and comfort. In 1992, the sound system in the sanctuary was replaced and the church "came into the 20th century" and computerized all of its church records. The sanctuary was replastered and painted in early 1993 due to moisture damage and the gravel lots that were used for parking were paved, much to the enjoyment of everyone. These innovative changes have boosted the moral of Zion's members, increased the overall efficiency of our church office and made the church house a 'more pleasant place to meet and worship.   

Equally important have been the intangible improvements that have contributed to the spiritual growth and development of the Church. Among these are the establishments of a School of Religion to promote Bible study and religious education for the benefit of those who would be leaders; organization of a Board of Christian Education and the expansion of the Youth Department and it's ensuing programs; the formation of the Pastor's Choir, the Golden Years, Omega Choir and the Willing Workers Social Service Club.   

In Preparation for the 117th Church Anniversary Celebration, the first Women's Tea was held in the Friendship Hall. The guest speaker was Dr. Freda Merriweather, Elementary School Advocate for Jefferson County Public Schools. The first All Male Fashion Revue and Luncheon was also held. Many models from the congregation stepped up and did a wonderful job! The anniversary concluded with a Month Clubs Tea. Each month club was asked to donate $1,017.00. The financial report of $12,033.96 was made for the efforts of the anniversary celebration.   

In 1997, a new air conditioning system was installed and completed for that summer. The D. E. King Sidewalk Chapel was restored. In 1998, the second floor of the Educational Building was renovated, and an elevator was installed. In 1999, the renovation of the second floor of the Educational Building was completed. We have beautiful new Sunday School classrooms, a room for our Golden Years, a computer lab and office space.   

As 1999 came to an end, Pastor Cockerham began talk of forming a Millennium Committee. Members from all parts of the church began meeting and plans were drawn up as how all members of the whole church could be involved. A theme was chosen: "Windows of Heaven" with scriptures from Malachi 3:10, Genesis 7:11. A large thermometer was built registering our minimum goal of $50,000. The property across from the church on Muhammad Ali Boulevard was purchased and renovated, and two offices on the second floor were occupied by the Assistant to the Pastor and the Minister of Education. Other properties have been left to the church and have either been sold or are in the process. We are grateful that there are persons who feel that in dying, they can still help their congregation in some tangible way.   

In 2001, we opened "The Windows of Heaven." With the assistance of some of our deceased members, we reached our $50,000 goal. The Trustees worked diligently on a number of projects. The catwalk above the Sanctuary was rebuilt, the Sanctuary roof was repaired and needed renovation in the basement was begun. In 2002, the renovation of the basement was complete.   

In January, 2005, Reverend Cockerham officially retired after 35 years of faithful service. Now Zion was faced with the task of selecting it’s next pastor. The church went into earnest prayer for God's divine guidance in selecting a permanent Pastor. During this interim period the Associate Ministers; Reverend Walter Holder, Jr., Reverend Garry Spotts, Reverend Larry Williams, Minister Patricia Whalen, and Minister Nigel Wallace, stepped up to the challenge to keep Zion functioning without interruption.   

A pulpit committee was formed consisting of twelve members within the congregation representing the various cross functions and diversity of the church. The committee prayerfully began the tedious process of reviewing a multitude of resumes submitted from ministers across the country. The selection process was truly led by the divine wisdom and spirit of God to help them select the candidates that would be presented to the congregation for consideration. Several good ministers were heard and our hearts were made to rejoice as they spoke the Word of God.   

The selection process eventually narrowed the candidates down to three highly God led, spirit filled, and capable leaders. These individuals were invited back to Zion to preach, teach, and undergo intense interviews from the congregation. In October 2005, at the close of this portion of the pastoral search, a special call meeting was held to cast votes for one of the final three candidates by the congregation of Zion Baptist Church, Inc..   

The Holy Spirit moved on the congregation to choose Reverend Gerald J. Joiner of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Roswell, Georgia as the next Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Inc. Reverend Joiner willingly accepted the call from Zion and began preaching, teaching and assuming the responsibility of becoming the Shepherd of Zion in November 2005.   

Reverend Gerald J. Joiner was officially installed as the next Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Inc. on Sunday, January 15, 2006, with Reverend Frank Lewis and the congregation of Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Roswell, Georgia as special guests. What a grand glorious celebration it was.   

In a very short time Pastor Joiner had hit the ground running and began to make his mark in Zion history. He is a great preacher, teacher, motivator, and visionary that has already made marked changes in Zion. Under his divine direction from God and his leadership, Pastor Joiner began to add the spark back into the membership of Zion Baptist Church, Inc. that will set the Louisville community on fire.   

In June of 2006 Pastor Joiner's initial campaign was to lead our membership in restoring a portion of our historic church's beautifully vaulted ceilings. He proclaimed that "God's house was far too beautiful to let it stand in disrepair" thus we needed to expediently restore it to its original grandeur. In two months the situation was rectified. Next, on April 18, 2007, Pastor Joiner and the board of The Zion Community Development Corporation extended invitations to dignitaries and friends to attend the Dedication and Open House of the Zion Manor Senior Apartments at 2201 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Construction of the 34-unit complex featuring one- and two-bedroom units had begun on September 8, 2005…with the ground breaking ceremony held on September 12th. It was just a dream come true. Beautiful exterior, colorful interior. Just amazing!

Zion Manor Senior Apartments

In June of 2007, members banded together and pledged $100.00 each to purchase a brand new organ for the sanctuary. Over $20,000 was raised and the purchase note was burned during morning worship in celebration of retirement of the organ debt. Zion also acquired 14 pieces of property, some were torn down for additional parking, while 4 properties were renovated for residential improvement to provide safe and affordable housing in the Russell-area neighborhood.    

To coincide with Vacation Bible School, a 3-day outdoor event called the Youth Explosion was formed. Streets were blocked off, foods and T-shirts were sold, games were played and the Reverend Efrem Smith from Minneapolis was the guest speaker each evening and Sunday morning. The Youth Explosion has become an annual event, featuring vendors and entertainment acts from various groups/churches to provide an enjoyable Christian street festival for the community.    

Much of 2008 was spent with the church leaders working with local government personnel to complete the church's parking facilities. Pastor Joiner also met with all age groups of the church, gaining input on what each group felt about the current direction of Zion, and brainstorming ideas to see what could be done to encourage more participation from members and the community.    

In September of 2009, the much needed parking facilities were paved and black-topped, as well as acquisition of two additional parking lots, providing the church with over 80 off-street parking spaces. On October 4, 2009, the dedication ceremonies were held for the "H.D. Cockerham Center for Consignment and Food Distribution", a two-story facility that houses Zion’s consignment store and Dare-to-Care food bank.

H.D. Cockerham Center for Consignment and Food Distribution

Seeking to "Strive to Win in 2010!", Pastor Joiner instituted the J.A.M. (Join A Ministry) campaign so Zion could R.O.C.K. (Reach Others for Christ's Kingdom) the Louisville community. The current auxiliaries and ministries were revamped, as well as the addition of 3 new ministries which address the needs of our Sanctuary, our Singles & our Couples.    

Pastor Joiner's future vision for our church incorporates the addition of a Youth Center, a Wellness Center and a Family Life Center. Under the divine direction from God and Pastor Joiner's leadership, we are excited and looking forward to experiencing whatever blessings God has in store for us.    

Zion members, as you read the history of our illustrious church, you can see that we have many things of which to be proud... but we cannot rest on our laurels. The members of Zion who have gone on before us were doers ... workers. They have departed and passed the baton to us and our challenge is "What Will we do with the baton? Will we hold it up and ensure that Zion remains a front-runner in the Christian community or will we drop the baton?" There is still so much work to do!