PRESERVE MOUNT ZION, ATHENS, OH
Tax deductible
The Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized in 1872, and its first house of worship for African Americans was built in 1878. The needs of the congregation quickly outgrew the small building, and thoughts of a new church began.
Around 1902 a building fund was started. With the help of prominent business owners, Edward C. & Mattie Berry of the famous Berry Hotel, a committee was formed and funds were raised by donations from members and well-wishers—members of the community at large. In 1905, ground was broken for the new church. The building was constructed of manufactured block and trimmed with blue free stone. The finished cost of the church was $10,500.00 (approximately $285,000.00 in 2017 dollars). The building was formally dedicated in 1909. When finished, it was a beautiful site and a source of pride within the entire community. It is listed on the National Historic Register of Places!
The church functioned efficiently for many years as a centerpiece of life for many African-Americans in southeastern Ohio. Unfortunately, It has been essentially vacant for well over 10 years and has been affected by water leakage, lack of maintenance, and vandalism.
In 2013, a group of concerned citizens came together, all deeply concerned about the state of the building and desiring to save a historical structure. The group was fortunate to have the support of Ohio University’s president, Dr. Roderick McDavis and his legal adviser, John Biancamano, who put us in touch with the Attorney General’s Office.
In 2016 we formed a 501c3 nonprofit organization to demonstrate our commitment and to provide all of the legal requirements necessary should we eventually be able to overcome the impediments to anyone being able to save the building from “demolition by neglect.” We presented our case to the Attorney General’s office staff and found them open to our concerns. The Attorney General’s office took on the case, worked through numerous legal issues and ultimately prevailed in procuring the building. In July 2017, we received a deed to the property.
The Pressing Need for Support: At the moment, the most pressing problem is the need for a roof replacement. Water damage is destroying the building; without a new roof, the building will continue to deteriorate rapidly. As it is, interior walls are damaged and the basement floor has collapsed due to unchecked water damage. A roof will halt the damage and allow us breathing space to work on fundraising and, ultimately, addressing numerous other problem, including repairing and or replacing doors and windows, replacing broken mortar, and beginning the work of repairing the extensive interior damage.
RVC Architects are assisting us with planning and organizing work.
Thank you in advance for your contributions. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We have a membership facebook page with continual updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1742174752762741/
Around 1902 a building fund was started. With the help of prominent business owners, Edward C. & Mattie Berry of the famous Berry Hotel, a committee was formed and funds were raised by donations from members and well-wishers—members of the community at large. In 1905, ground was broken for the new church. The building was constructed of manufactured block and trimmed with blue free stone. The finished cost of the church was $10,500.00 (approximately $285,000.00 in 2017 dollars). The building was formally dedicated in 1909. When finished, it was a beautiful site and a source of pride within the entire community. It is listed on the National Historic Register of Places!
The church functioned efficiently for many years as a centerpiece of life for many African-Americans in southeastern Ohio. Unfortunately, It has been essentially vacant for well over 10 years and has been affected by water leakage, lack of maintenance, and vandalism.
In 2013, a group of concerned citizens came together, all deeply concerned about the state of the building and desiring to save a historical structure. The group was fortunate to have the support of Ohio University’s president, Dr. Roderick McDavis and his legal adviser, John Biancamano, who put us in touch with the Attorney General’s Office.
In 2016 we formed a 501c3 nonprofit organization to demonstrate our commitment and to provide all of the legal requirements necessary should we eventually be able to overcome the impediments to anyone being able to save the building from “demolition by neglect.” We presented our case to the Attorney General’s office staff and found them open to our concerns. The Attorney General’s office took on the case, worked through numerous legal issues and ultimately prevailed in procuring the building. In July 2017, we received a deed to the property.
The Pressing Need for Support: At the moment, the most pressing problem is the need for a roof replacement. Water damage is destroying the building; without a new roof, the building will continue to deteriorate rapidly. As it is, interior walls are damaged and the basement floor has collapsed due to unchecked water damage. A roof will halt the damage and allow us breathing space to work on fundraising and, ultimately, addressing numerous other problem, including repairing and or replacing doors and windows, replacing broken mortar, and beginning the work of repairing the extensive interior damage.
RVC Architects are assisting us with planning and organizing work.
Thank you in advance for your contributions. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We have a membership facebook page with continual updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1742174752762741/
Organizer
Henry Woods
Organizer
Athens, OH
Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
