Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church was established in 1860. That date would suggest a plantation-based congregation; if just after the Civil War and the 1860 date is a bit off, it was a Freedmen church. Either way, it’s one of the most historic African-American churches in Emanuel County. A cornerstone placed on 20 May 1923 leads me to believe that 1923 was the date the present structure was erected. Rev. W. M. Kelley was the pastor at the time. Trustees were: S. W. Wadkins; J. F. Williams; and J. O. Oglesby. Stewards were: J. M. Ross; E. D. Oglesby; C. L. Oglesby; S. A. Ross; Rosa Pierce; and D. R. Williams. The Auxiliary were: J. E. Pierce; C. L. Clark; and and N. A. Blunt.

A newer cornerstone indicates that a renovation was completed in 2003. It’s a beautiful church and churchyard with an adjacent cemetery. The old oak out front is a landmark itself.