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Local Throwbacks

INSIDE MOUNT DORA'S ICONIC LANDMARK

11/10/2015

26 Comments

 
Like an aging Southern beauty, it remains charming and captivating.   The old, weather-beaten, chalky white church inevitably piques the interest of passersby.
​
Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Mount Dora is tiny by today's standards  No matter its size, it remains proudly perched at the southern entrance to Mount Dora as if it was a welcoming ambassador.  Atop the rusty tin roof, a steeple stands strong and within it a church bell that hasn't rung in more than three years.  A battered, simple wooden cross still stands firmly at the top.

The original church was built in 1896 along with a cemetery on a hilltop of orange trees across US 441.  It was founded by pioneer African-American families from northern Florida and Georgia.  For those early homesteaders, as well as for more recent members, the small church was a central meeting place for worship and social gatherings.  

The pioneers, Julia and Richard Woodbury and her brother Archie, hauled lumber from Sanford with a wagon to build the original church.  When the original burned down, the congregation built a replacement church high on a hill in 1926.  

​Due to the need for land for the construction of US 441, the church was later moved to its current place on Old Highway 441, across from its previous hilltop location, where it has been for at least 58 years.  In 2010, it was included on the Register of Historic Places.

Inside the church, is a step back in time and a tiny glimpse of local African-American history.  Inside the plain exterior doors is a small, purely functional foyer.  On the left side of this tiny area is a single book case with a sign reading "Church Library."   Perhaps the most eye-catching element in the foyer is a simple, framed primitive print of a congregation.   On the right side is the rope that rings the church bell.  Off the foyer is a restroom and a cramped office with scattered paperwork and two framed memorial cards.  

A pair of tall screen doors stand straight ahead as the last remaining threshold into the sanctuary.  Termites have helped themselves to the eight short pews that face the elevated altar.  In winter months, the congregation was warmed by the rusty pot-bellied stove stationed among the pews.  Two Bibles still sit atop the lectern as if waiting for the next reading.  
The modest pulpit on the altar is flanked by an organ on the left and on the right dried acorns are scattered across a piano's keyboard as evidence of the squirrels that once called it home.

The sanctuary is still adorned with artificial flowers and a few pieces of religious decor, including a print of a painting of the church and a poster-sized print titled "The Primitive Baptist Church Covenant and Articles of Faith."

Today, the historical landmark is closed to the public.   On a recent sunny day, helpful Orange County Sheriff's Deputies Hicks and Capraun compassionately helped secure the building again.   Vandals, vagrants and unwanted real estate agents have made a "No Trespassing" sign necessary.  
"Some of my first childhood memories are of when we used to meet on Worship Sundays," said Beaulah Babbs.  "We would  sing the songs of Zion, pray and enjoy the joyful sound of the gospel."  

Babbs, 79, is one of four members of the church remaining.  Her family can trace its membership back to 1942.  

"All of the written history of the first church burned up in the fire," she said.  "We know that Reverend McCarthy was the first pastor in 1896 but the names of the founding families are long gone. "

Rhonda Torrence, daughter of the church's late Deacon Bobby Torrence, has found memories of attending the church from childhood to adulthood."This was our family's church and though it may be hard to imagine, the entire congregation was related,"  said Torrence.

 
"I remember helping my Dad mow the church grass and cleaning up the church yard. Great times when life was simple and the church was simple and honest.  I really miss those days."

Primitive Baptist churches are sometimes called Hard Shell Baptists or Old School Baptists and considered to be conservative.  

"We were a small congregation of 23 families at one point in our church history.  Our family was the church," said Babbs.  "How I wish it could be filled again with another generation of people who worship and praise the Lord."

"I have always kept the faith that good people will help us refurbish our little church and let it stand for another century," she said.  

Past families of the congregation included the Woodburys, MCCarthys, Babbs, and Torrences among others.

Tax-deductible donations for the church's preservation can be made by check payable to MDCT Live Oak Fund and sent to Mount Dora Community Trust, 821 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora FL, 32757.  In-kind contracting, engineering, landscaping and plumbing donations are also needed.

By Sharon G. Nichols and Trish Morgan

For more Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis news, click here
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Beaulah Babbs with helpful Orange County Sheriff's officers Hicks and Capraun.
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Above:  Screen doors lead from small foyer to sanctuary (below).
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Above:  Close-up of print that hangs on northern wall (below)
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Above:  In the foyer, stands a single bookcase church library and a small framed congregation print (below).
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Above:  Iron heating stove  Below:  Acorns on the piano keyboard.
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26 Comments
Cynthia
11/11/2015 06:27:58 pm

Pass this frequently and always wonder about it's past

Reply
J
11/11/2015 06:42:05 pm

If the church ever is open once on a special occasion I would love to tour it

Reply
daphne
11/11/2015 07:12:43 pm

I remember it used to be so cold before
church....literally had to wear coat and jacket...

Reply
JoAnn Handley link
11/11/2015 07:34:14 pm

Every time I pass this little church I think what a beautiful wedding chapel.

Reply
Debra Dallmann
11/11/2015 07:46:40 pm

Beautiful, historic, and needs to be protected at all costs.

Reply
Sharon
11/12/2015 12:24:07 am

I think that the church would make a great wedding venue spot. Get married in the refurbished church...and have a second building that has a reception pavillion/restrooms, and a commercial kitchen to accommodate caterers. Two other structures like air-conditioned over-sized sheds would be a bridal gown shop and a florist.....what a picturesque venue!!

Reply
Allison Rehbaum
6/4/2024 06:49:56 am

As a possible wedding venue, could this church be moved to Gilbert Park placed on pilings/deck over the rainwater retention area? It is a shame to let it fall apart and not make use of it.

Reply
Judi Phillips Jones
11/12/2015 11:30:13 am

I remember sometime in the last 50s or early 60s a group of Mount Dora Citizens and Merchants repainted the church for the congregation. My Father, Leonard Phillips, Owner of the Mount Dora Western Auto, was one of them and donated all the white paint used. I don't recall if this was a Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club project, but I think it was one or the other.

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Pam
11/12/2015 08:02:44 pm

Beautiful article about this church. All old buildings especially church's have so much to tell us about the community!

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Carol Durden
11/13/2015 03:02:04 am

I know some of the members from this little church. Good people!
Seeing that church always puts a smile on my face, as I've lived not far away for 40 yrs.

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Ann schafer
11/14/2015 07:55:42 am

Should be restored and used as a wedding and funeral chapel .

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janeth
11/3/2016 08:50:21 am

Agree!! Next Saturday November 12, 2016 a group of residents willing to help will clean this iconic place inside and out. Spread the voice!

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Stephanie Eberhart
11/14/2015 08:27:54 pm

What a treasured memory...this should continue to be what it was originally - a place of worship!

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Barbara Gherardi
11/15/2015 08:51:52 am

If there's a Go Fund Me or similar page - I would love to contribute to it's restoration. It's a beautiful structure and an icon of the entrance to the City of Mount Dora.

Reply
Al Chiodi
12/2/2015 06:37:28 am

Hi Mrs Babbs, I have nice old oak church pews to replace the ones the termites got and I would be happy to give you some front doors. Ask Mt Dora Buzz they have my info.

Reply
Mary lynn
12/4/2015 06:42:15 pm

I loved this article! I wish mt dora would pay more attention to its history rather than making it all "new". Thanks for the info

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Sarah
8/2/2024 10:42:55 pm

It is 9 years after the first post. Anybody know what is being done? We need to keep this beautiful, historic landmark,

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Mary P.
12/13/2015 06:14:51 pm

If ever there is a web site for restoration, I would love to receive it. I love that little church!

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LU M.
1/4/2016 08:55:39 am

Excellent article - have often wondered about the church.
Wish it could be restored and put back in service.

Reply
Michael Simmons
8/10/2016 03:50:42 pm

I also have passed this church numerous times over these last 9 years and every time I see it I know it's a true reminder of Gods Chapel and Home

Reply
Doreen Gall
8/27/2016 07:56:27 pm

I drive by and pray daily this little church could be restored and serve Gods people again.

Reply
Joyce Bevins
12/1/2016 03:51:14 pm

I love this little Church. Needs to be saved. I would love to donate what is a secure way? Not sure I trust the go fund me site. Please where can I send a donation and feel comfortable doing so. Thank you so much. Joyce

Reply
shirley k harris
1/2/2017 09:46:59 am

I love to come home to Mt Dora and be welcomed by the Little White Church at the entrance to Mt. Dora. If you need volunteers please contact me @ 561-262-8493. I would love to be a part of the restoration of this beautiful historic landmark and make it a true Welcome Inspiration to Mt. Dora.

Reply
Allison
4/20/2018 11:18:51 am

I have LOVED that Church since moving here 21 years ago. I took pictures of it, as I do of all places I like here in Mount Dora. I Love this Town, I Pray it’s not going to be ruined by influx of people, who won’t care about it like I do.

Reply
Judi
2/17/2022 03:58:02 pm

I want to get married in front of the church I love it and would love to be involved with the fixing up

Reply
Jeremiah Hurley
6/17/2022 07:08:30 pm

I went to the church today to take pictures of the outside and found a weather worn bible on the steps. Does anyone know how it got there?

Reply



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