First Zion Missionary Baptist Church/Historic Marker Unveiling

Bluffton, S.C., On April 5, 2025, from 12 noon to 2pm, a new historical marker will be unveiled at 10 Robertson Street in Historic Bluffton. This is the home of the First Zion Missionary Baptist Church formerly the First African Baptist Church. This marker, which is the sixth in old Town Bluffton, acknowledges the presence of a group of former slaves providing a place of worship that would last for generations.

The historical importance of this day cannot be missed. The First Zion Missionary Baptist Church (formerly First African Baptist Church) existed at a time when our country was embroiled in the Civil War. The founding pastor of our congregation was a former slave from Georgia, Abraham Murchison, who served as the first Mayor of Mitchellville, located on Hilton Head Island. Mitchellville is the first settlement in the United States established in 1862 for freed Blacks in the country. When Bluffton was burned by the Union Army in June of 1862, which destroyed several homes, churches and businesses, the destruction did not hit our part of town.

Pastor Bennie Jenkins, Jr. states: “We believe that this unveiling will serve as a momentous occasion for our church, founded in 1862 and it will honor our rich history and the contributions of those who came before us. It is our intention to gather not only members of our congregation, but also fellow churches, dignitaries, community officials, residents of Bluffton, and other surrounding communities. We envision this event as an opportunity to come together in celebration, reflection, and unity.”

The Unveiling will conclude with an Open House and Reception at the New Life Center, located next to the main Sanctuary.

For more information contact the church at (843)757-3129 or the following: Pastor Bennie L. Jenkins. Jr. (843)986-4309 Deacon Oliver S. Brown (843)540-3547 or Laura A. Bush (843)757-2638