Four years after floods destroyed the foundation of Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac, residents of one of Montgomery County’s oldest Black communities gazed upon their uplifted church.
Original plans called for the 99-year-old church on Seven Locks Road to be lifted off its foundation Thursday afternoon, but recent rains that softened the ground convinced a construction crew to move up the work one week.
No one seemed disappointed that they didn’t actually see their church raise up. They were too happy that the work was completed successfully, and a new foundation now could be poured.
The church was built by hand by its Black congregants, some of whose descendants were present Thursday.
Future plans include repairing the church structure, regrading the site to avoid future flooding problems and expansion of the church.
Supporters already raised $6 million, and they hope to raise an additional $4 million.
The Scotland community is one of about 40 Black communities located in Montgomery County after Emancipation. The church is the only remaining structure from the original Scotland settlement, according to Rebeccah Balio, Montgomery Planning historic preservation supervisor.
https://twitter.com/MoCoCouncilMD/status/1707534904668410065?s=20
The 99 year old Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac was lifted off its foundation as work continues for a new church @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/npcrcMdtqS
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) September 28, 2023
