The Columbus Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church has a rich history, dating back to 1818 when racial tensions led African American worshippers to break away from the Bromfield Street Methodist Church, eventually forming the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1838. In 1903, the growing congregation purchased the Columbus Avenue church with a membership of 254. Today, the Columbus Avenue A.M.E Zion Church holds Sunday services and operates a Church School and missionary program.