Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Excerpt from the Miami Affordability Project Historic Properties Dataset, prepared by UM Office of Civic and Community Engagement:

“Construction of the present church building began in 1928 and took thirteen years to complete. Reverend J.R. Evans, one of the most prominent religious leaders of Overtown, oversaw construction. Mt. Zion is one of the few examples of Mediterranean Revival style architecture in Overtown. As with many other historical properties in this area, its design is also significant because of the ways planners adapted this style to the local environment by incorporating high ceilings and porches. The church was significantly impacted by the construction of Interstate 95 in the 1960s, when a portion of the church was acquired to build an entrance ramp. The congregation of Mt. Zion Baptist Church remains an active part of the community today.”

The Church was one of the first meeting places for the Boys and Girls Scouts as well as civil rights movement leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

References:

//civic.miami.edu/_assets/pdf/housing-initiatives/housing-reports/Housing_and_Historic_Preservation_in_Overtown_Report.0.1.pdf
Catalyst Storymap

This is stop number 8 on the Historic Overtown Legacy Trek! Download the map here, or click here to see the next stop: New Providence Lodge #395.