The first free Black Methodist Church was built in 1845 at Fourth and Osborn Streets in Cantwell’s Bridge, later named Odessa. Prior to this, enslaved and free Blacks worshipped at Drawyers Presbyterian Church in the balcony. Named Zoar, which means place of refuge, by 1870, the congregation had grown to 150 and needed a larger building. The new, brick Zoar Methodist Church, at 620 Main Street in
Odessa, was completed in 1881, paid off, and incorporated in 1904. The church was used regularly until 1973 when membership declined due to aging worshippers. Peninsula Methodist Conference turned Zoar over to the stewardship of St. Paul’s U.M. Church, and it was declared a "limited service" church. After about 1996 only an annual homecoming service was offered. Zoar M. E. Church on Main Street in Odessa was built in 1881. Its brick is laid in common bond with buttressed corners creating a cruciform plan; the medium gable roof of the nave and gabled roof wings are covered with asphalt shingles and have exposed rafter ends. Gothic-style windows with stained glass and a pointed arch created with brick headers light the interior, similarly shaped 2-panel double doors with a 3-pane gothic arched transom mark the entrance; a rosette window is located above the facade door; there is a date stone over the rosette window; a chimney is situated at rear right. Zoar is a contributing element to the Odessa Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service. In 2021, Friends of Zoar, Inc. was formed to honor the past and secure the future of Zoar M.E. Church building. Plans are underway to refurbish the interior, repurposing it to honor the spirit of past African Americans who persevered to give their faith a home.
