Zion Union Church, formally known as “Zion Mission”, was founded in 1909 by the late William Drew, Elijah Richardson, and Hamilton Jackson, all residents of Hyannis. Not too much is known as to the first members of the Mission, however, it is recorded that a Mrs. Anderson, a black woman who was attending the First Baptist Church, was indirectly responsible for the formulation of the “Mission.”

She had attended the First Baptist Church for some time, but was beginning to feel there was an element in the church that did not want a member of color in their congregation. When they made their feelings known to her and suggested that she should be with “her own kind”, she was deeply hurt and stopped attending that church. Noticing that Mrs. Anderson was no longer in attendance, Mr. Drew contacted her.  She explained that she no longer felt welcome in the church.  Mr. Drew’s Christian principles moved him to consider building a church where everyone would feel welcome, irrespective of color.

Mr. Drew enlisted the support of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Hamilton, and others to help with the construction. The building was located on North Street and designated The Zion Mission. Mr. Drew became the “Mission’s” first pastor and conducted services for many years. After his tragic death in a railroad accident, several visiting clergy from Boston carried on with services. The “Mission” was mainly used as a summer church and served as a place of worship for many domestic workers, who came primarily from the south.

Long term pastoral leadership was sporadic for many years, and the Mission struggled to maintain its identity and an active congregation.  However, a few faithful were determined that the doors of the mission would remain open. One such person was Mrs. Harriet Grace, affectionately known as “Ma” Grace. She served as leader and “Interim Pastor,” and located guest preachers to ‘bring the Word’ in an inspired effort to keep the mission open. 

Early in the 1950’s “Ma” Grace was able to secure the services of Rev. Charles Thornhill of Cambridge, MA.  When Rev. Thornhill resigned to conduct evangelistic campaigns in various areas, Rev. Emery Thompkins, who had assisted him, took over duties as Pastor of the “Mission”.

Rev. Thompkin’s tenure was brief.   In June 1955, Miss Ella Carroll a staff member of Zion Bible Institute, contacted Rev. Paul Rodrigues of Brockton, who had recently graduated from Zion Bible Institute.  Rev.  Rodrigues consented to come and conduct the service on the last Sunday in June, 1955.  That initial service ushered in a dynamic 29-year period of spiritual growth and development.  Reverend Rodrigues served faithfully as Pastor and the “Mission” took on a respected personality uniquely its own in and around the greater community of Hyannis.  It had become a community “church.”

In 1962, Zion Mission officially became Zion Union Church.  Its membership was a composite of various denominations, so thus it was established as an independent inter-denominational church.  In June 1976, a concerted effort was made to take the giant step of faith to erect a new building, or an addition to the present building, to accommodate the needs of a growing church.   In October 1976, the foundation was dug for the new addition.  This addition was completed and dedicated on Sunday November 27, 1977.  

On February 1, 1984, Rev. Paul Rodrigues tendered his resignation as Pastor of Zion Union Church.  A Farewell Service was held in his and his family’s honor in March 1984.

Between February of 1984 and February of 2001, Rev. Anderson Clary, Rev. C.M. Heidleberg, and the late  Rev.  Richard L. Porter served as Pastor of Zion Union Church.  In February of 2001 Rev. Bernard Harris, Sr. first came to Zion as pulpit supply and served Zion in this capacity until May of 2001 when he accepted God’s call to serve as Pastor.  He was installed on September 30, 2001.   

In 2003 Pastor Harris presented to the congregation God’s vision of a new edifice for Zion.  A formal building fund campaign was developed and 2.6 acres of land were purchased on Attucks Lane in Hyannis.  On September 16, 2006 a Groundbreaking Service was held for the new edifice that was to be built at 105 Attucks Lane in the Industrial Park of Hyannis.  (The initial address attached to this land was incorrect - the correct address is 805 Attucks Lane).  This service was part of Homecoming Weekend and included a concert by gospel recording artist Karen Ricketts on Friday, September 15, 2006 and a Homecoming Cookout immediately after the groundbreaking.   

In the period of time between 2004 and 2007 negotiations with the Town of Barnstable resulted in the Town purchasing the original edifice in order that it may be maintained as a museum dedicated to the diversity of Hyannis and Cape Cod. 

In January of 2007 construction officially began at 805 Attucks Lane.  In the spring of 2007 Zion welcomed several Disciples from the Brazilian community into the Body.   Following the direction of God, Pastor Harris developed a framework for this change in demographics that included integration of these new Disciples into the ministries of Zion as opposed to developing a church within a church. 

On August 25-26, 2007, a grand opening for the new edifice was held.  A Ribbon Cutting for the new building was held on Saturday, August 25, 2007.  On Sunday, August 26, 2007 a Ribbon Cutting for the Sanctuary was held.  Dedication services were held August 28-31, 2007.   

At Zion's annual meeting in January of 2009, Zion Union approved a motion to become a member church of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM).  2009 also marks the beginning of celebrations acknowledging Zion's 100th Anniversary!  It is against this colorful backdrop of the events from 1909 to that present, that Zion Union has survived as an ongoing institution of worship for all `races of people. Although initially a church home for people of color, it has evolved into a true Christian expression of being a church for all people.  And To God Be The Glory!