Zion Baptist Church
✟ Christian (Protestant) | Denver, CO
Founded by an intrepid group of Black freedmen on November 15, 1865, Zion Baptist Church is the oldest African American church in the Rocky Mountain West, and is today a Colorado historical landmark. From small beginnings, the congregation grew to become a pillar of the Black community in Denver and included many of the city’s Black business owners and political leaders. It was a “mother church,” helping to found other Black congregations throughout the Rocky Mountain West. Since 1913, the church has occupied a large brick building in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, built in the Romanesque Revival style. It has hosted many civil rights leaders over the years, including A. Philip Randolph, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesse Jackson. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2015. From its historic location, it continues today to minister to the faithful and serve the community through a variety of ministries and programs.