Mt. Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc. 1996-2010

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195
Restrictions:

Collection open for research.

Terms of access:

No physical characteristics affect use of this material.

Preferred citation:

Mt. Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc., 1996-2010 (M 066), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Summary

Creator:
Mt. Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc.
Abstract:
This collection consists of the annual reports of the Mount Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc. (MZCPA) from 1996-2010. They include records of the finances of the MZCPA, overviews of events sponsored, and other records.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Mt. Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc., 1996-2010 (M 066), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the annual reports of the Mount Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc. (MZCPA) from 1996-2010. They include records of the finances of the MZCPA, overviews of events sponsored, and other records.

Biographical / historical:

The Mt. Zion Old School Baptist Church was founded in 1850 when a group of members of Little River Baptist Church withdrew from the church because of their incompatible doctrinal beliefs. They built their own church in Aldie, Virginia in 1851 at the intersection of the Old Carolina Road (now U.S. Route 15) and the Little River Turnpike (U.S. Route 50).

The church served both whites and African-Americans, including freedmen and slaves. In 1852, the church began a cemetery that is still in use. Only five pastors served at the church during its 129 years of service. Some of these were circuit pastors who travelled between Mt. Zion Church and its sister churches, New Valley Church and Frying Pan Church, holding only one or two services at each per month.

The church held services continuously from 1851-1980, except for a short break during the Civil War when the church changed hands multiple times between the Union and the Confederacy. In 1863, Colonel John S. Mosby (1833-1916) used the church as a meeting place for the "Partisan Rangers," a group of Confederate soldiers who waged guerrilla warfare against Union troops. The church was also used as a field hospital for both Union and Confederate troops. Twelve Union soldiers and thirteen Confederate soldiers are buried in the cemetery.

On 6 October 1996, the church was named an historic site, and the Mount Zion Church Preservation Association, Inc. (MZCPA) was founded. According to the MZCPA 2010 Annual Report, the purpose of the association is to "preserve, protect, enhance and interpret the historical and natural resources of its properties for future generations." Starting in 1996, the MZCPA began to create opportunities for tourists to learn about the history of the church, holding annual events such as Colonel Mosby's birthday celebration and "Eyewitness to War," a living history program.

In 1999, the church became the property of Loudoun County, and in 2001, it became an affiliate member of the Smithsonian Institution.

Acquisition information:
Joan Rokus, Leesburg, Virginia; Jay Bradshaw, Aldie, Virginia
Processing information:

Charlotte Blacklock, 1 July 2011

Arrangement:

Folder

Accruals:

2009.0208, 2009.0040, 2009.0146, 2010.0300, 2010.0149

Physical / technical requirements:

None