In 1854 several of the Deacons and members of Irwell Terrace Baptist left to form Zion Baptist church with the early services taking place in the Mechanics Hall. The Rev. John Hall who was already the minister of Waterbarn became the first minister.

A site was bought on Market Street and work commenced on a new church and chapel. The building was opened on 2nd April 1858 and the minister was Rev. Richard Stanion who stayed for just one year. In 1861 the Rev. H Hall started his ministry which was to last the same duration as the American Civil War. Much poverty, hardship and near starvation were caused by the cotton famine and Rev. Hall had to resign through ill health.

In 1870 under the ministry of Rev. David Davis the Sunday School had developed so much that a branch chapel and school were built at Acre Mill and opened in October 1871. By 1889 Acre Mill had become strong enough to become a separate church.

When the Rev. E A Tydeman came in 1882 there was already a feeling that the Sunday School was inadequate and plans were drawn up for a new building. By the time the Rev. E Milnes came in 1900 though nothing had been built the desire was still strong and by the time Rev Milnes left in 1908 all the properties on the site adjoining the church had been purchased.

Like other Baptist church in the area the period the two World Wars was difficult and the church was often without a minister.

1945 saw the amalgamation of Zion with Irwell Terrace to form the Union Baptist Church.

Ministers of Zion Baptist Church