ZION EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Historic Zion Episcopal Church

Made of heart pine, 200–500-year-old longleaf pine

Approximately 550 visitors per year

Around 400 people attend the Bluesfest each year

10 planned concerts each year plus several informal and impromptu performances by visitors who come to play for fun

2 musicians plan to play and record in Zion: Jontavious Willis and Neal Lucas

Located in Talbotton, LeVert Historic District is a true architectural treasure, Zion Episcopal Church. The wooden structure was built in 1848 among an oak grove and cedar trees. It is recorded as having been built with “heart pine,” or wood that is likely 200–500-year-old longleaf pine. Adorned with lancet windows and Tudor arches, the structure demonstrates a rural version of the English Gothic style. The interior consists of walnut furnishings, including an altar, communion rail, lectern pulpit, and prayer desk. An 1850s Pilcher organ is still operative and is one of the oldest in the United States. Galleries on either end of the choir loft were places of worship for slaves. Today, these galleries serve as a connection to the past. Many visitors come to experience a setting from the 1800s when slavery was prominent. One person traced her lineage to the slaves of an original founder of the church, and she comes to worship and visit where her ancestors were slaves.

While the church has not had a local congregation in decades, it is still appreciated for its art, history, architecture, and acoustic quality. Quarterly worship services are still held and led by various ministers. In 2020, Zion Church Restoration, Inc. completed the outside restoration of the church and received the 2021 Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Chairman Award. The superb quality of the restoration makes Zion a beautiful backdrop, not just for weddings and events, but also for filmmaking.

The acoustics of the church have been greatly admired by faculty and musicians at Columbus State University, leading to planned CSU-hosted concerts. The Springer Opera House Theatre Academy has also performed in Zion Episcopal Church. In addition to formal concerts, the church is a focal point in the community and hosts the annual Historic Zion Episcopal Church Bluesfest. This event brings energy to Talbotton’s community and attracts talented blues artists like Jontavious Willis, a Grammy-nominated blues musician. The annual event raises money to fund restoration and maintenance projects for the church.