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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Mt. Zion Methodist Church

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SC Picture Project / Florence County / Mt. Zion Methodist Church

The congregation of this church, nestled in the Mars Bluff community of Florence, formed in 1868. Like so many rural churches prior to the twentieth century, members originally met in a brush arbor before constructing a church building. However, the church did have its own minister – the Reverend James Wesley Johnson – as opposed to an itinerant circuit preacher, which was typical for rural Methodist churches.

Mt Zion Methodist Mars Bluff

Benton Henry of Latta, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 1870 the congregation purchased nearly two acres and used it to build a school for local African-American children. Sadly, the school burned in the early 1920s, but another school was built on its site – the Mt. Zion Rosenwald School – which the church also supported along with other donors. Though the Mt. Zion Rosenwald School closed in 1952, preservation efforts by the church and others have restored and maintained the school building, which can be seen across the street.

Mt Zion Methodist Marker

Benton Henry of Latta, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 1875 the congregation built a frame church on a portion of land it purchased from the school. The simple church was modified in 1970 to its current appearance. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church remains active today.

Mt Zion Methodist

Benton Henry of Latta, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Mt. Zion Methodist Church

Where is Mt. Zion Methodist Church located?
Address: 5040 Liberty Chapel Road, Florence, SC 29506
GPS Coordinates: 34.179123,-79.643525
What else should I see?
Mt. Zion Rosenwald School 0.1 mile
Hewn Timber Cabins 1.8 miles
Francis Marion University 1.9 miles
Gregg-Wallace Tenant House 2.6 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Churches
  • Florence Historic Sites
  • Mars Bluff Historic Sites
    Mt. Zion Methodist Church Map

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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