The First New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, opened its doors on the third (3) Sunday of November 1921, as the “Mary Baptist Church”, under the leadership of Reverend  W. W. Carter.  A group of pioneers from the Central Baptist Church established the landmark.  A little wooden building was the first place of worship.  The first members of the newly established church included: Deacon’s Charlie Williams, Eddie Furlow, Holland, Dawkins, and Hammond.  The sisters included Irene Robinson, Mary Redding, Dawkins and Hammond.  Reverend W. W. Carter served the Mary Baptist Church from 1921 until 1925.

  After the leadership of Reverend W. W. Carter ended in 1925, Reverend I. C. Brown became pastor until 1930.  Reverend Brown, along with the congregation changed the name of the church from Mary Baptist Church to “Zion Baptist Church.”

  In 1930, Reverend N. M. McNealy became pastor and served until 1933. Under Reverend McNealy’s leadership the name of the church was changed from Zion Baptist Church to “New Zion Baptist Church.”   The church grew as the members were spiritually fed.

  In 1940, Reverend N. M. Murray became pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until 1945.  During his tenure, God made it possible for the congregation in 1945 to demolish the wooden building and begin the first brick edifice. Reverend Murray did not complete the new place of worship, but we thank God for allowing him to beginning a great work.  During the construction process, the New Zion Family worshipped at White Tabernacle, under the leadership of Reverend J. J. Jones until 1947.

  Reverend Henderson was added to the pastoral roll in 1947.  Although he served for a short time, the construction of the new sanctuary continued.

  During the year of 1947, Reverend J. W. Hazleton accepted the call to pastor.   The building was completed in 1947 and the congregation marched into the new edifice as the “First New Zion Baptist Church”, under the leadership of Reverend J. W. Hazleton.  After seven (7) years of service, Reverend Hazleton was followed by Reverend W. M. Smith, who served until 1960. The congregation continued to grow and was blessed.

  All praises to God for a small portion of the vision that already has been revealed unto us.  In May 1988, five (5) acres of property were purchased on Soutel Drive and the debt was retired within two (2) years.

  Ground breaking celebration was experienced on March 24, 1996. This third and new edifice, which was a modern traditional but unique style of structure was designed by architect George E. Patterson and was built by The John Stokes Company, both of Jacksonville, Florida.  The edifice was dedicated during a week long celebration in April 1996.  

  Pastor Sampson always encouraged increased community involvement and he knows that in order to succeed in society as productive citizens, we need to become an educated citizenry. So, in keeping the vision—this beautiful edifice is not only a church of worship, but it temporarily serves as a training center to help Christians prepare for     service to mankind.

  Pastor Sampson has vision for the community and in 1999 he formed H.O.P.E., (Helping Others Prepare for Empowerment) Inc. of Jacksonville, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization.  This organization is designed to provide quality programs, services, workshops, seminars, training and much more to the citizens of Duval and adjacent counties. 

  In December 2001 the Lord blessed the community through Pastor Sampson to acquire what is currently known as Hope Plaza which consist of an office complex and 32 acres of land.  This property is located at 435 Clark Road and is the current location for H. O. P. E. Inc. of Jacksonville.

  First New Zion has maintained an important connection with the community and continues to play a vital role in providing services to its people.  The 10,000 sq ft building adjacent to the church at 4819 Soutel Drive (formerly the Youth Chris Center) was purchased in December 2002 and is now home of Zion Christian Academy.  There you will find qualified directors and staff that  care for, educate and provide daily spiritual growth to children 6 weeks to 5 years of age.

  Pastor Sampson has been instrumental in helping the membership embrace God’s vision as he leads by faith.  During a Sunday worship service in the spring of 2004 Pastor Sampson petitioned the entire congregation to stand in agreement with him for ownership of the night club “Conduces” located directly across the street.  As we fervently prayed to God to give us this property, He answered our prayers and in September 2004, Zion was able to purchase the building and 2 acres of land adjacent.  Our future plans are to renovate this property into a church fellowship hall; bookstore, and administrative offices to the Glory of God.