1942

After meeting in various homes and lifting up the name of Jesus, First New Zion Travelers Baptist Church (FNZTBC) became incorporated by the State of Louisiana in the city of New Orleans. Pastor Frank Hilliard was selected to serve as the first pastor of FNZTBC. The first board of deacons were Winston Wright, Frank Simmons, Luke Hillard, Manuel Wilson, Warren Kristin, James Jones, Mitchell Dussett and Dave Freeman.

1962

First New Zion Travelers Baptist Church elected Reverend Arthur Jones Sr. to serve as the next pastor of the church.

1990

After the passing of Pastor Arthur Jones Sr. First New Zion Travelers Baptist Church elected Reverend Jimmie Smith Sr., as the pastor. Pastor Smith was a familiar face to the membership of the church where he served under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Jones Sr. Before Pastor Jimmie Smith was elected, he taught Sunday School at FNZTBC and was under the tutelage of Pastor Cleveland E. Washington and was an ordained minister by the Liberty Missionary Baptist and Educational Association (LMBEA)

2005

In August 2005 FNZTBC was moderately damaged by Hurricane Katrina dispersing most of the membership across the United States.

2006

After Hurricane Katrina flood waters receded and residents were allowed to return to rebuild Pastor Smith continued the vision of FNZTBC. Pastor Smith and his family still displaced by the Hurricane drove back and forth from Gurdon, Arkansas to New Orleans, LA to meet with contractors for the rebuilding of the church. During this time most of the members decided not to come back to New Orleans. The Church lost 90% of its’ membership but Pastor Smith was instructed by God to rebuild. On April 16, 2006 First New Zion Travelers held its first service after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on Resurrection Sunday.

2022

In November 2022 First New Zion celebrated 80 years of ministry.