zion

230 years

1792-2022

Methodist + fellowship

Celebrate history with us

Our Church History

Zion Methodist Wilberforce Street was established in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1792 with a Countess of Huntingdon congregation that arrived here as Settlers from Nova Scotia, Canada and America. The Huntingdonians were a sect of Methodists. Together with other Settlers, they founded the settlement of Freetown. For 230 years, Zion Church has remained in the same location, and sustained generations of family members as part of its congregation. In its 230th year, this historic Church celebrates over two centuries of fellowship.

"230th" Church Events

List of events by the Committee for the 230th Anniversary, starting with the unveiling and dedication service of the new Allen Genisys G350 Church Organ.

History Podcasts

Listen to exclusive talks and discussions about the congregation and Methodist fellowship of Zion. Topics include history of Freetown, Settlers, and the Church.

Zion @ 230 Book

A coffee table book, with visual and literary contributions honoring past congregations. Provides a view into the history and roles of the Church in the community.

Looking Back Gallery

Enjoy a gallery of photographs, provided by Church members, taken along the 230-year timeline.

Church History

Chronological outline of the Church history, highlighting key moments and milestones.

Share Memories

Submission of names of deceased members is ongoing. Please click the button below to submit names of deceased members.

Share your memories

1792 – 1800s

1800s – 1900s

1900s – 2021

“Zion @ 230”

Podcast Series

Season 1 Episodes

Listen to featured Podcasts from families, speakers, & panelists all year-round. Learn all about the history of Zion Church, from its early years during the 18th Century, the journey of its congregation from America, to Canada, and Freetown, Sierra Leone. 

Listen to the Podcast Trailer

by Zion 230 Committee

Episode 1

by Zion 230 Committee | The story of the origins of Zion begins with a look at the early founders, congregation and community; and an introduction to part of the ZionFreetown@230 team; family genealogists Akindele Decker and Adrian Labor (African Curator LLC).We chat with Anthony Morgan- Founder of Science Everywhere about his connections to Zion Wilberforce street, in Freetown.

click here to Listen to more episodes...
Natacha Leopold

Presented by Natacha Leopold

Established in Sierra Leone by a settler congregation arrived from Nova Scotia on 15 ships in 1792, later Maroons, Liberated Africans, then Sherbro, Temne and others in the surrounding areas, Zion Methodist Church Wilberforce St. remains a fixture of living history in the heart of Freetown. As the church prepares to celebrate over seven generations of family and 230 years of fellowship, we look back at the story of Zion and set course for the next port in the church’s remarkable journey. Presented by Natacha Leopold, written and produced by Barbara Morgan.

Zion @ 230 Anniversary Book

Explore accounts of 230 years of a little Church with a big history.  Learn about over 2 centuries of family, community & Methodist Church fellowship.  A coffee table book, with visual and literary contributions honoring past congregations. Provides a view into the history and roles of the Church in the community.  

Available Soon

230th Anniversary Symposium: Chronicling the history of Zion Methodist Church

230th Anniversary Celebration Grand Thanksgiving Service

Unveiling & dedication of the brand new Allen Genisys G350 Organ

Since 1792, our Clergy members and staff have been at the service of our congregations, the Sierra Leonean community, and all who seek the Gospel.

Current Clergy and staff

Rev. Arnold Archer-Campbell
Circuit Superintendent Coordinator

Bro. Gerald Hastings-Spaine
Treasurer

Sis. Rhoda Labor-Sesay
Senior Society Steward

Bro. Allan Campbell
Secretary 230 Committee

Memories from the congregation

Growing up at Zion Church was one of my fondest memories. I remember going to Sunday School in the 1960s with Reverend Elliott. It was some of the best years at Zion.

Edith Hamilton, Church Member
Share your memories

Church-led Events Commemorating the 230th Anniversary

APR. 10 | 2022

230th Anniversary Celebration Grand Thanksgiving Service

On Sunday 10th April, 2022 (Palm Sunday)

Under the Distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of

Her Worship the Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer

and the Chief Patronages of a host of eminent Christian personalities

Location: Zion Methodist Church, Wilberforce Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

JAN. 16 | 2022

230th Anniversary Memorial Service

Presided by Rev. Arnold Archer-Campbell (CO) Circuit Superintendent – Freetown Central Circuit.

Celebrating the lives of:

MARY ASH
The washer woman who gave this plot of land for congregational worship
PHILICIA GREENE
Those who gave their properties to the Church (#27 & #31 East Street)
JOHN ELLIS
Who set up the first Trust Board in 1825, and all other deceased Trustees who have served from then till now.
REV. ANTHONY ELLIOTT
A pilot who arrived from Nova Scotia, took charge and expanded the work when John Ellis died. During his tenure, Zion had outreaches to Mabang and Rokonta in the 1850s.
REV. JOHN R. FREDRICK
Who took the Zion Congregation to the AME Connexion in 1887, and later joined the Methodist Church in 1901

All other deceased Ministers and Lay Members who served Zion Society from 1892-2021

Location: Zion Methodist Church, Wilberforce Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

DEC. 5 | 2021

Dedication of the New Church Organ

Presided by Rev. Henry Abioseh Samuels, the unveiling and dedication of the brand new Allen Genisys G350 Church Organ during Zion’s Annual Harvest Festival celebration.

Theme: “The Lord take the pleasure in man that fears him and hope in his mercy {Psalm:147}”.

Location: Zion Methodist Church, Wilberforce Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

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