Our Motto
To Love The Unlovable
To Seek The Lost
To Heal The Hurting
Making Disciples For Christ
OUR LEADERSHIP
Brian C. Herron Sr.
Pastor
Rhonda Bell-Herron
Executive Pastor
Rev Dr. Harvey Witherspoon
Associate Pastor - Retired
Charity Dowdell
Minister
Chaka Henderson
Minister
Eleanor Dildy
Minister
Peggy Pugh
Apostle
Deacons & Deaconesses
Serving the church family through faith, care, support, and a commitment to meeting the needs of the congregation.
Jimmie Anderson
Verlene Green
Maria Price
Billie Mae Bolden
Andre Marshall
Brian Price
Darwin Brewer
Jacqueline Parker
Marques Armstrong
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OUR HISTORY
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Zion Baptist Church has a rich and meaningful history rooted in faith, resilience, and service. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, Zion’s story connects back to Rev. Robert Hickman, an escaped slave who became a licensed pastor and helped establish Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul in 1863. Under the authority of that church, Rev. Hickman later helped organize mission churches, including Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis.
On February 7, 1889, Zion Baptist Church filed Articles of Incorporation as a nonprofit corporation. In 1907, Zion purchased its first cornerstone property at Seventh Street and Hoag Avenue North in Minneapolis. As the church continued to grow spiritually and financially, it later moved to 11th and Lyndale North under the leadership of Rev. Henry W. Botts Sr.
Through seasons of challenge, change, and growth, Zion remained faithful. After the Minnesota Highway Department purchased the church property for freeway construction, the congregation chose to build a new church home. In 1967, Zion moved into its current location at 621 Elwood Avenue North in Minneapolis.
Over the years, Zion has continued to serve as more than a place of worship. It has been a church without walls — active in ministry, community partnership, outreach, education, and support for families across North Minneapolis.
Today, Zion Baptist Church continues to live out its motto, “The Church That Dares To Care,” while honoring its legacy and serving the present needs of the community.
Historical Highlights
1863 — Rev. Robert Hickman helps found Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul.
1889 — Zion Baptist Church files Articles of Incorporation as a nonprofit corporation.
1907 — Zion purchases its first cornerstone property at Seventh Street and Hoag Avenue North.
1929 — Under Rev. Henry W. Botts Sr., Zion experiences rapid growth and later moves to 11th and Lyndale North.
1944 — Zion celebrates the burning of its mortgage after becoming debt free.
1967 — Zion moves into its current church home at 621 Elwood Avenue North.
1970–2006 — Rev. Dr. Curtis A. Herron leads Zion through a season of ministry expansion, community involvement, and cultural change.
Today — Zion continues to serve North Minneapolis through worship, outreach, partnerships, and community-centered ministry.
Past Pastoral Leadership
Rev. Henry W. Botts Sr.
1929–1959
Rev. Dr. James A. Holloway
1959–1969
Rev. Dr. Curtis A. Herron
1970–2006