Zion Fair Missionary Baptist Church has a history that dates to a time before the Emancipation Proclamation. Church goers had to cross over several plantations to get to church and not all plantation owners were happy about having their property trespassed. In 1870, the growing need to come together inspired a group of forty-two Christians to come out from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church to form – what was later to become known as – Zion Fair Missionary Baptist Church, Ellenton, South Carolina. 

In need of a permanent place to worship, Bro. James Riley purchased a plot of land from Sis. Amanda Bush Boyd. A building committee was formed, and Bro. Arnold Roberson was appointed foreman of the crew that built a two-story church with a balcony in one year. A dedication service was held on July 16, 1871, with 71 members in attendance. In January 1951, the church was notified by the U.S. Government that they had to vacate their current location by May 1, 1951, to make way for the building of a nuclear energy plant, known as the Savannah River Project. Upon request, the church was granted an extension to remain at the property until August 1951.

On August 18, 1951, the church was loaded by H.L. Kick, house mover, and unloaded August 31, 1951, to our current location. In 1961, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of 700. The new church opened with a dedication service on February 18, 1962. Zion Fair Missionary Baptist Church stands on it’s rich history and the legacy of the Founding 42. Our church family worships and honors God, embraces God’s word, and works to carry out…