Mount Zion Baptist Church · Seattle, Washington
A Seattle
Historic Landmark.
A living legacy.
Rooted in faith since 1890, Mount Zion’s story lives in its people, its architecture, and its enduring commitment to the community.
A place in Seattle’s history
Recognition of a remarkable inheritance.
On October 18, 2017, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted unanimously to designate Mount Zion Baptist Church a Seattle Landmark. The designation recognized the property under all six of the City’s designation standards.
At the time, Mount Zion was one of only four Seattle landmarks recognized under all six standards. The church’s 2017 announcement identified the other three as the Space Needle, the Science Center, and Key Arena.
In June 2018, Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the landmark designation ordinance. The City’s announcement credited a Mount Zion group led by Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte with nominating the property.
The 2017 church announcement is the foundation for this page. The City of Seattle’s June 7, 2018 announcement confirms the designation and subsequent ordinance signing.
The features recognized
A heritage expressed
in place, space, and art.
The church’s 2017 announcement identified these features and characteristics for preservation.
- The church site
- The exterior of the church building
- The exterior of the educational unit
- The Gideon Bell Tower
- The sanctuary interior
- James Washington, Jr.’s sculpture, Oracle of Truth
The announcement also states that elements of the building and site that are liturgical in nature are exempt. This list summarizes the historical record published in 2017.
The people behind the place
Built on faith.
Carried across generations.
Mount Zion’s landmark story begins long before its designation, with a congregation committed to worship, opportunity, and service.
A congregation takes root
A small group of African American Christians organized Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle. Having come from the South in search of opportunity and a better life for their families, they established a community of faith whose legacy continues through generations.
The Carter years
During Reverend Dr. W. D. Carter’s pastorate, the congregation purchased land at the 19th Avenue location and engaged African American architects Harry and E. R. James to build its church home.
Pastor Carter also advocated for young people through his civic work and leadership of Mount Zion’s Boys and Young Men’s Community Club. Corrine Carter, a trained YWCA executive, organized Seattle’s first African American branch of the YWCA, the Phillis Wheatley Branch, supporting girls and young women.
A new season of leadership
Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney became pastor. His vision joined the congregation’s spiritual life with education, community leadership, and a church building that would honor African heritage.
Spaces for learning and worship
Under Dr. McKinney’s leadership, the educational wing was built in 1962 and the present church building in 1975. Working with the architectural firm Durham, Anderson & Freed, he helped shape an Afrocentric design that expresses African and African American faith traditions, inside and out.
A Seattle landmark
The Board’s unanimous designation in October 2017, followed by the ordinance signing in 2018, recognized a place where faith, cultural heritage, architecture, and community life come together.
Honoring those who came before us
We give thanks for the faith that built this church, and for every generation called to carry its promise forward.
Explore the records
The story, preserved.
This permanent page carries forward the historical account originally published by Mount Zion Baptist Church on October 18, 2017, with the City’s later ordinance announcement included for context.
- City of Seattle landmark announcement June 7, 2018 · Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
- Mount Zion’s church history A timeline of the congregation’s life and service.
- The sanctuary and its meaning Explore the architecture, symbolism, and heritage of our worship space.
Experience a living legacy.
Join us for Sunday worship at 10:00 AM Pacific, or explore more of Mount Zion’s history before your visit.