In 1870 First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Chickahominy Baptist Church in Toano, and Shiloh Baptist Church in Croaker were the nearest churches to the Centerville community. A lack of transportation to these established churches prompted a group of ex-slaves and freed men from this community to organize its own local church

Shortly before Dr. Moody’s retirement, a Pulpit Committee was formed to identify a new pastor for the church. On May 31, 1991, Rev. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr. was elected the sixth pastor of New Zion Baptist Church. Pastor Whitehead was installed on September 8, 1991. On October 1, 1999, Rev. Whitehead became the church’s first full-time pastor

New Zion is involved with the Baptist General Convention, the Virginia Baptist Association, and most recently, the American Baptist Churches USA. In addition to the church’s involvement in the community, many of the ministries in the church are very involved in service and benevolence projects. Please visit our ministry pages for detail on what our ministries are doing.

The first building was a log cabin. A member, Richard Brown, donated the land on which this church was built. It was hence named Brown’s Baptist Church in honor of the land donor. A deed dated February 12, 1880 from R. L. Henley and conveyed unto Richardson Brown, Henry Ruffin, Benjamin Taylor, Moses Harrard, and John W. Canaday, Sr., Trustees of the Church, gave clear title to the property. In addition, a one-acre site of land across the street in front of the church and adjoining the cemetery was deeded to the Church by The Order of the Knights of Gideon. In 1900, a new church was constructed and renamed New Zion Baptist Church.  A wood stove provided heat and kerosene lamps provided lighting for this early church.  Thus was the condition of the church in 1928 when Rev. Junius H. Moody became pastor.  The church remained in that building for over 80 years.  During this period modern amenities such as electricity, central heating, air conditioning, running water, and plumbing were incorporated into the structure.

 In 1975 plans were formulated to build a new structure as the old structure was beyond remodeling. The building program comprised three phases. The cornerstone was laid in November 1982, and moving and dedication were held in June 1983. The old building was removed in 1983 to make space for a parking area. This was completed in 1984 on land donated by the late Deaconess Elizabeth Carter. The church was blessed to be able to burn the church mortgage on October 8, 1989.

The second building program began in April of 2002 and consisted of two phases. Phase I included a new parking lot, site improvements, new restrooms, a pastor’s study, and a conference room and a nursery. Phase II began the last two weeks in December 2006 and included an administrative office, choir and fine arts rooms, classrooms, enlargement of the kitchen,relocation and remodeling of the fellowship hall, and a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of over 400-persons.

The congregation processioned from the old sanctuary to the new sanctuary on Sunday October 14, 2007. Currently, the church site and cemetery consists of seven acres. In addition to the church site, a three bedroom house which served as our resource center for over three years was used for ministry.

Pastors who have served our congregation include: Rev. C. S. Boston, Rev. Lemuel Morris, Rev. I. H. Ashby, Rev. O. B. Allen, Dr. J. H. Moody, and our current pastor, Dr. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr.

Dr. Junius H. Moody, as previously mentioned, served as pastor for over 60 years and as Pastor Emeritus until July 7, 1997.

The church has several scholarships available to our members. These scholarships are funded by individuals and serve to assist students in two or four year colleges, trade schools or vocational schools.

 New Zion is a host site for the S.H.A.R.E. Program which is a cooperative food program in the Hampton Roads, area and the SNAP program (Share Network Access Point) which offers job search assistance and employment.

As a part of our Health Ministry, we have blood pressure screening and blood sugar monitoring on first and third Sundays after each worship service. A healthy breakfast is provided for worshipers most Sundays between the end of the 8:30 service and the time that Sunday School begins. The church has sponsored numerous events relating to healthy lifestyles and promotes healthy living as well as spiritual growth and community involvement.

New Zion Family Marches To New Church - October 14, 2007

A Vignette of New Zion Baptist Church