HISTORY

Prior to and during the Civil War, slaves from the Lottsburg community were allowed to worship at Coan Baptist Church. After the conclusion of the war, Coan Church officials had difficulty implementing many of the freedoms the slaves had acquired. The idea that the displaced Negros find a place of worship was brought forth and carried out. A piece of land on which to build a church was purchased from a landowner named Claiborne. This church which was a mere brush harbor lean-to, became Zion Church. Rev. Paymus Nutt was the first clergyman to serve Zion Church. 

Other Reverends serving Zion Church were:Charles Russ, E.R. Jackson, John Walker, J.W. Tynes, L.C. Newman, Rev. Bryant, H.C. Roane, Morris Samuels, Wendell Russell, Robert C. Hoban.

Our current Pastor, Apostle John H. Bibbens, is the Twelfth shepherd of Zion Baptist Church of Lottsburg since its origin in 1867.

During the years between Rev. Nutt and Rev. Tynes, a permanent structure was built to replace the lean-to. During the administration of Rev. Newman, the idea of the present church was conceived. That church built and now houses the present day congregation.

Our existing Pastor, Apostle John H. Bibbens has been given several visions which has manifested (1) Church transportation – 3 Vans have been purchased, (2) an expansion of the building: 2 story addition to the existing structure which includes a fellowship hall, offices, classrooms and a computer lab, (3) Paving of the parking lot: asphalt road surface, and (4) church preservation: additional land purchase.

Throughout the history of Zion Baptist Church Lottsburg, Westmoreland County has contributed to the spiritual guidance of its worshippers. Three of the former shepherds were from the sister County of Westmoreland. Since October 1996, through the present Zion, Northumberland and the state of Virginia are being served by Apostle John H. Bibbens, the fourth native of Westmoreland County.