The Journey Church | Island Campus - Fernandina Beach (FL)

Roads Traveled Photography New Zion Baptist Church, the second oldest and largest black Baptist Church on Amelia Island, was founded on May 15, 1870 under the leadership of Reverend Lewis Cook (1834-1880). He and 69 parishioners held their first meeting in a stable on First Street and later in peoples’ homes. The 69 parishioners, supported by “Father Cook,” purchased the land for the church on April 1, 1878. The original wood church, built in 1881 on the present site, was destroyed by fire on the morning of February 11, 1907. The current structure, built on the same site and completed by November 1907, was constructed of cement brick veneer and remains unchanged today. William “Billy” Rivers, a well-known black contractor, supervised the project. Reverend P.A. Callaham, Bachelor of Divinity, served as Pastor. New Zion has a historical, cultural and spiritual significance, particularly during the segregation era, when it was the leading and largest church used for graduations and other community events. Under the leadership of 22 pastors, New Zion has for over 100 years contributed to the community and remains a cherished historical site in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.

Patrick Huse My husband and I attend Memorial every Sunday we’re in Fernandina. We have a place here and look forward to attending especially since Pastor Charlie came. The congregation is very welcoming, the donuts are great! but the music and message are always so inspirational. John and Linda Green

Chelsea So many welcoming people who love the Lord. Tons of small groups and ways to serve. Lots of ways to meet people and build relationships. My only complaint as someone with ADHD and anxiety, the foyer gets crowded and loud very quickly so Im in and out to avoid being wildly overstimulated lol

Roads Traveled Photography First Missionary Baptist Church 1860 The First Missionary Baptist Church was founded by slaves in 1860 under the leadership of its first pastor. Elder William Rose of Savannah, Georgia. The congregation worshipped in multiple buildings until settling at its current location in 1873. Completed in 1874, this wood frame vernacular Church exhibits classical and medieval elements, and is the oldest known black Missionary Baptist Church with uninterrupted service in Florida. The Church had many distinguished members, including Peggy Bailey, the first president of the Florida Women’s Convention in 1899; Missionary Emma B. Delaney, founder of the Suehn Industrial Mission in Liberia in 1912; and the Reverend Edward M. Brawley, the first black graduate of Bucknell University and the first president of Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. These distinguished members, and the congregation as a whole were an integral part of Amelia Island’s culture. The Church steeple was removed in 1958 after being damaged by lightning and was replaced after 40 years. The First Missionary Baptist Church was listed on the National Historical Places in 1973 as a contributing building in the Fernandina Beach Historic District.

dill pill92 Nice place

Libby Malcolm I was so blessed to attend this church last Sunday with my best friend and her son. We were so blessed by the sermon of Pastor Serrano. I was afraid it might he one of those feel good/Ted talk sermons that takes Bible verses out of context because those sorts of churches are so popular now days. We were fed a wonderful, Bible focused message that was completely in context and focused on Jesus and it was what we needed! The worship was also incredible and the Holy Spirit was there!

Jesse Duke Best church ever!

Elaine Henslee Thankful God sent us to this place where we worship our Living God through biblical teachings, song, and praise! A place we feel the Holy Spirit and His Truth and love is shown!

mike sheehan Gorgeous church. Great environment for worship. Brother John, the pastor, is a highly charismatic teacher. The music is awesome too.