Historic New Zion Church Undergoing Restoration

As you travel along Atlantic Avenue and N. 10th Street at the east end of the historic district in Fernandina Beach, you will see a sign that reads: New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Exterior Restoration Project, Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida.

Through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Florida Department of State funding, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church is currently undergoing a phase of exterior rehabilitation, which began in November 2023.

In 2022, New Zion was awarded a $500,000 African American Cultural and Historical Grant, which is being used to restore its foundation, brickwork, doors, and exterior Queen Anne-style windows.

Contract signing: Annette Myers, church historian and project chair, Jose Miranda, president Miranda Architects: Back row from left – Sal Cumella Fernandina Beach Preservation Planner, Narvea Gardner, New Zion grant team, Lorelei Jacobs, Fernandina Beach Grants Administrator, Johnnie Robinson, New Zion grant team.[/caption]

The purpose of the grant, which was applied for by church historian Annette Myers, is to provide funding for construction projects at facilities in Florida that highlight African Americans' contributions, culture, or history. Priority was given, but not limited to, projects that encourage the design or construction of a new facility in an area of great cultural significance in which no facility exists, enhance the beauty or aesthetic value of facilities named for significant African-Americans, or restore facilities on the National Register of Historic Places.

To date, the project is 60% complete.

Located in the historic district of downtown Fernandina Beach, New Zion Missionary Baptist is one of the oldest African American churches founded in Fernandina Beach and located on Amelia Island. In the past, the church was used for Peck High School graduations and other community events, and in recent times, the MLK, Jr. Memorial Services.

Southeast Conservation Services Construction Company of Stark, Florida, is handling the rehabilitation work. Jose Miranda of Miranda Architects of Fernandina Beach is overseeing the project.

The New Zion membership and grant team, under the leadership of pastor Rev. Jeremiah Robinson Jr., is thankful to those who submitted letters in support of the application and to former Fernandina Beach City Planner Sal Cumella, the Historic District Council, and other endorsements in favor of the project.