Mt. Zion A.M.E. CHURCH (1817) Columbia, PA.
MOUNT ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1817) COLUMBIA, PENNSYLVANIA (c. LAWRENCE E. WALKER FOUNDATION)
In 1817, a group of emancipated slaves from Virginia settled in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and established the first Methodist Church. This small frame structure, on Avenue “N” between 2nd & 3rd streets, was used as a house of worship until 1832. This church was the beginning of the present Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. During the pastorate of Reverend Stephen Smith, a frame church was purchased, located at the corner of Avenue “J” and Church Avenue. In 1840, this church was burned to the ground, and was replaced by a brick structure, which served as a church until 1852, when a new location was secured at the south corner of Avenue “N” and Fifth Street.
This brick building was used for 10 years and then turned over to the Columbia School Board to be used as a school for Black people. This building later became the Harvey T. Makle Legion Home. In 1872, the present site was purchased and a large brick church was built under the pastorate of Rev. George M. Witten, who served from 1876 to 1878. Reverend Jacob Wilkesheim (1881) was followed by Reverend J.H. Accoe, who pastored for three years. Reverend Santee Burch came to pastor here in 1900 and served four years, during which time the mortgage was burned. Rev. Murray followed and served two years.
Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church has a proud and unique history. This church was a focal point for the Underground Railroad in Central Pennsylvania. From Columbia slaves were sent to Philadelphia and as far north as Canada. Mt. Zion was the head of legal action fighting to keep free Black men from being returned to slavery under the Fugitive Slave laws.
