Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Built in 1921, Mount Zion Baptist Church was one of the first buildings built with brick and mortar. The cost to build was estimated at around $92,000, which was a very substantial amount for its time.

On June 1, 1921, less than two months after it's first service was held, the church was looted and set ablaze during the infamous Tulsa Race riots. During the riots, the church served as a useful vantage point and was the headquarters for the resistance against the mobs of white rioters. A rumor heard by a mob of white rioters alleged that there was also a stockpile of weapons and ammunition being held within the church. This rumor is thought to be one of the contributing factors to the destruction of the church.

The church was completely destroyed during the riots, however the community decided to rebuild and construction of the current building was completed in 1952. It stands today as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of a tumultuous moment in the Greenwood community's history.

Marshall, Kendrick. Tulsa Race Massacre: Weeks after opening, Mount Zion was burned down. Faith and perseverance rebuilt it, Tulsa World. May 31st 2020. Accessed July 12th 2021. https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/tulsa-race-massacre-weeks-after-opening-mount-zion-was-burned-down-faith-and-perseverance-rebuilt/article_6f639a65-76f0-5191-9b2f-3eabcf96947f.html.