KUSA - It's a Colorado landmark and one of the oldest African American churches in the Rocky Mountain West. Zion Baptist Church celebrated 150 years of worship in Denver on Sunday. Church members said their church is more than a building— it's a community.
Inside its stone walls, they stood shoulder to shoulder, the same way members of Zion Baptist Church did 150 years ago.
"That's our support. Our church is our support," said Alruth Toney, a member of Zion Baptist Church Member since 1951. "The history of the church comes down from one generation to the other."
Zion Baptist Church began welcoming members of the African American community in Denver in 1865. For years, it was an open door where others remained closed to them.
"In the segregated era, we couldn't go nowhere but to the church. So, we would come to the church, we'd utilize the church for our social gathering," said Rev. Frank Davis, the church's pastor. "We would dress up, put on our best, come to the church and all of the social things that were done, were done at the church."
The church's storied history isn't just within its walls, but within its membership, too. More than 100 people have been members of the church for more than 50 years.
"Everything is so memorable, the changes that have taken place in our church is beautiful," said Tranny Carr, who has been a church member for 70 years. "I got married here. Had my children and grandchildren here."
It is a worship they hope will continue past their lifetimes, bonding them not just to the church, but also to each other.
"We stand on the premise that God never fails," Rev. Davis said. "The longevity of this church is predicated on the fact that it has sustained itself throughout the years."
Zion Baptist Church calls itself the "Mother Church of The Rockies" because other African American Churches in the area can trace their roots back to former Zion church members.
(© 2015 KUSA)
