Mount Zion Baptist Church, called “the mother of black churches,” is formally organized in 1894 in Seattle. The church, at 19th Avenue and East Madison Street, has the largest black congregation in the state, and at one point more than 2,500 members. It establishes the first black Protestant church credit union in the Pacific Northwest, a day-care center, kindergarten and school, as well as a scholarship fund. The Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, a civil-rights leader who helps shape the conscience of Seattle, is pastor for 43 years, passing away last April. |