African Zion Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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African Zion Baptist Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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African Zion Baptist Church, September 1979
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4104 Malden Dr., Malden, West Virginia |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002010 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The African Zion Baptist Church is a very old and important church located in Malden, West Virginia. It stands at 4104 Malden Drive in Kanawha County, West Virginia. This church is part of the Malden Historic District, which is a special area recognized for its history.
This church is a one-story building made of wood, sitting on a strong stone base. It has a pointed roof, called a gable roof, with a wooden bell tower on top. The African Zion Baptist Church is known as the "mother church" for African-American Baptists in West Virginia. Many African Americans moved to West Virginia after the American Civil War and the time of Reconstruction. This church became a central place for them.
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A Place of History and Hope
The African Zion Baptist Church was built in 1872. It quickly became a vital part of the community. For many African Americans moving to West Virginia, it offered a place of worship and support. The church helped people settle into their new lives.
Important People Connected to the Church
Many important people were part of the African Zion Baptist Church.
- "Father" Lewis Rice was the church's founder. He was a key leader for the early African-American community in the Kanawha Valley area of West Virginia. He helped guide many people during a challenging time.
- Booker T. Washington was also a member. He became a very famous educator and leader. Washington spent some of his childhood in Malden and attended this church. He later founded the Tuskegee Institute, a well-known school.
National Recognition
Because of its important history and role in the community, the African Zion Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
Images for kids
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Side of the church in 2021
More Information
- You can find more details about the church and the Malden Historic District through the Historic American Buildings Survey:
- Learn more about the African Zion Baptist Church from The West Virginia Encyclopedia: e-WV, The West Virginia Encyclopedia: African Zion Baptist Church article
