Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church

by Mike Miller, February 18, 2013
(Mount Dora, Florida)

Mount Zion Church Bulletin Board

Mount Zion Church Bulletin Board

This old church was built in 1896 and is on Old US-441 south of Mount Dora right behind a Circle K convenience store. Thousands of motorists go by every day and probably don't even notice it. It is located in Orange County just south of the Lake County line.

I don't know much about the history of this church, but someone told me today that their membership is down to only 6 people. It seems a shame, because that small number of people probably can't raise the money to restore the church or keep it in good repair.

Is this a part of our history that we are about to lose? Does any visitor to Florida Back Roads Travel know anything about the church? Please let us know.

Maybe there is some way we can help save this old church.

Comments for Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church

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Dec 02, 2020
 Save Historical Mount Zion Church
by: Donna Marie

I've lived in Florida for 45yrs. Discovered Mt Dora sometime ago. We go every 6mo to visit. Each and every time we go, I must stop and photo this church. I can imagine all the people who have prayed there since 1896. Locals should reopen the doors for tours once deemed safe to visit. I would be 1st in line.
Nov 12, 2016
 Article in the Orlando Sentinel
by: Wendy Hammack-Smith

A friend of mine who was a Mt Dora resident for years, sent me this link. If I didn't live in Colorado, I'd be volunteering. I will be donating. We saw this beautiful church last spring while visiting the Mt. Dora theatre.

http://l.facebook.com/l/CAQGKD1Dr/www.orlandosentinel.com/news/lake/os-mount-dora-african-american-church-preserve-20161106-story.html
Nov 11, 2016
 Helper- Lester-Mt Zion
by: Catherineka

Hi Lester:

So appreciative that you are volunteering your time. Currently there is a fund raiser going on GOFUNDME.COM. This has brought a lot of attention to the little church, please check it out.

https://www.gofundme.com/savemountzion

Before we do anything with the garden, the church must be repaired. There will be volunteers there this Saturday (November 12, 2016).
Nov 07, 2016
 Helper
by: Lester w. Lane

My name is Lester Lane and I am a disabled veteran who is on disability benefits. I have the time, tools and a vast background in that area of work.
However, I would need transportation and a place to reside in along with a power supply unit to be able to get the work done.
Oct 27, 2016
 Gardens for Mt Zion mt Dora
by: Catherineka

Thanks Artie and Mike I will check out the info
Catherine
Oct 16, 2016
 Fund Raising to Save Mount Zion Church
by: Mike Miller

October 16, 2016.

We just learned on Facebook this morning of a new fund raising campaign to try and save this historic old church.

Check https://www.gofundme.com/savemountzion
Sep 28, 2016
 Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church
by: Artie Dorado

Check the clerk of court for records of ownership. Also try to contact anyone who lives in the area. Call me on my cell I can help.352-702-7645 Artie
Sep 10, 2016
 I Want To Build Praying Garden Around This Church
by: CatherineKa

Hello everyone!

I have been thinking for a while now to build a praying garden around this little church as a thank you to our Lord for healings. The garden will be open for folks who need prayer.

I am trying to find the responsible parties for the property. Once I do, is anyone interested in this project?

God Bless!
Catherine
Jun 23, 2016
 Question
by: Sally

Can this church be opened to take photographs inside?

EDITOR SAYS

Apparently so. Here is a link to an article with photos of the interior. http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/who-knew/inside-one-of-mount-doras-beloved-landmarks
May 30, 2016
 Love it
by: Karen

I drove by it the other day; did not know services were still held there.

EDITOR SAYS

Karen, as far as I know, services are not still being held there. I've never seen any activity in the building.
May 27, 2016
 Beautiful
by: Wendy Hammack-Smith

We came in for a play tonight at the Icehouse Theatre and we saw the church right as we turned off the highway. It is absolutely beautiful and I just took a picture on our way home tonight.

The sign out front has fallen down now and I really couldn't see where it was being used. I live in Colorado but my second Mama was a life long Floridian and would talk about restoring Florida's history.

I don't know what I could do from afar, but I want to encourage those of you who are here to try to get it listed on the Florida historical register.

EDITOR SAYS:

Wendy, I believe this old church is owned by a private group and I haven't seen it used in the several years I've lived in Mount Dora. I have a hunch the property is zoned commercial and somebody is just waiting for another convenience store or something to come along and buy it. I try to give it a little publicity now and then hoping somebody will organize something to save it and restore it. As you can imagine, it would be a daunting task.
Nov 16, 2014
 This is beautiful
by: Nona

We recently photographed this church also. It's a stunning church and the light we captured surrounding was amazing. I hope it can be saved. Didn't realize it was in Orange County. Thought it was Mount Dora. Perhaps both communities can get together to save it.
Oct 23, 2014
 My Dora Church
by: Judy

Thanks Mike,
I wasn't aware that there are still church services
there. Any other information you have would
Be appreciated.
Oct 23, 2014
 Beautiful Structure
by: Becky

I just photographed this church today, in fact, after driving by it countless times over the years. It is striking.
Sep 04, 2014
 Historic Church
by: Mike

Judy: I agree; I also hope it gets restored. I imagine one of the problems is a declining congregation. I haven't really studied the history of the church. Even though we think of it as being in Mount Dora, it's really in Orange County.
Sep 03, 2014
 Mt Dora Church
by: Judy

I live near this church and took some pictures. I do hope it gets restored or put into a Heritage place in history
Jun 22, 2014
 Church Membership
by: Florida Back Roads Travel

Sorry, I don't know anything about the church membership. I live nearby and never see any activity around the place.
Jun 22, 2014
 Contact Info
by: Lynn

Any information for contacting the church members?
Apr 01, 2014
 Movie
by: Josorio300

Isn't this the church used in Jeepers Creepers?

EDITOR SAYS:

We don't know. There are 6 or 7 movies with the title "Jeepers Creepers", and we haven't seen any of them. Maybe some of our visitors will know.
Mar 16, 2013
 Abandoned Church
by: Carole Imes

I photographed this old church on March 15, 2013 to add to my photo a day project on 365project.org I would be very curious to know more about the history. There isn't even a drive going to the church. I had to take my photo from the drive to the convenience store/service station. I will keep searching for information. I did manage to find 2 other photos online so far of this church by googling "abandoned church near Mt Dora" ...
Feb 20, 2013
 Mount Zion Church, Mount Dora Florida
by: Mike Miller

Greg. That's a great idea. I'm going to look into what is required to get that designation. I did it once for the Melbourne Beach Pier, and it took a lot of paperwork.
Feb 19, 2013
 Historical Church Must Be Protected
by: Greg May

I think the church should be placed on the National Register of Historical Places.

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