Pastor of The Week

Pastor Bennie L. Jenkins, Jr.; First Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Jenkins is a native of Grays Hill. He was appointed pastor of First Zion on Sept. 29, 2014. Prior to becoming the pastor of the church, he served as a member of the church music ministry, a member of the Board of Deacons and as interim pastor. In 2015 he was appointed as a chaplain with the Town of Bluffton Police Department, serving the needs of the citizens of Bluffton community. He is also an active member of the Bluffton Ministerial Alliance.

First Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the second-oldest African American church in Bluffton

First Zion currently holds worship services each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on the church front lawn. During these services, Rev. Jenkins encourages those in attendance through the word of God to have faith, trust, hope and patience as we face the difficult days ahead. The services are open to the public.

Rev. Jenkins is married to Bluffton native Latonya Jenkins, and is the father of four children: Bennie III, Sahalia, Lanaiishia and Breadon.

On the second Sunday in October 1862, while the country was still under the bonds of slavery, nine men, who accepted Christ as their supreme Lord and Lawgiver, founded our Church. They were: Chance Mitchell, Jacob McKenzie, Ansley Smalls, Gabriel Jenkins, Jackie Riley, Prince Fuller, Adam Bruin, Jack Bush and Sam Frazier. This group of baptized believers were led by the Rev. Abraham Merchison, a freed slave from Savannah, GA. Together these men answered the call to provide a place where we could all worship God in Spirit and in Truth. A place dedicated for His Service and His death. At this time the church was named “FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH” today it is known as First Zion Missionary Baptist Church. We are not sure when the name was changed but verbal accounts revealed it was called First Zion in the late 30’s and 40’s.​

Many great organizations have been created in the history of mankind; but none as prevailing or lasting as the Church. And so today, we are proud to let you know that our church is built on a solid foundation. The word of God says in Matthew 16:18 “Upon this rock I build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

God has been amazingly good to us during these past 153 years. To reflect on the memory of our ancestors during this time of celebration is truly a blessing. For it brings out both the historical and cultural being of our existence. When we consider the wonders of our miraculous journey over these past years we are moved to celebrate the grace of God who showed us His kindness by allowing us all to be here. At this time we will share a few historical points on our pastoral leadership as we look at our past, our present and our future.