Zion was one of the original churches of the Eastern District Association when formed
in 1848 and hosted the association in 1885, 1902 and 1911. It may have hosted the
association from 1850 to 1880, but records are not available of this time period. The
association came to this location once again in 1929 with Elder E.A. Robinette, the pastor
of the host church and moderator of the association, preaching the introductory sermon
and Elder H.S. Laster as the alternate. This time the church had a new name, because
around 1920, the doctrine of "No Eternal Punishment to the Wicked" began to be
advocated by some in the church. This resulted in a division among the people which, in
1923, caused the association to reject this doctrine and those who believed and taught
it. These were excluded from fellowship of the church, while those who believed in the
doctrine as it had always been taught continued as part of the association. On August
11, 1926, the property the church now sits on was deeded to the Primitive Baptist Church
of Canton by Isaac and Mary Willis. In 1927, a new building was erected, and the name
of the church was changed to Burke's Union in honor of Elder W.H. Burke who was
instrumental in the fight against the false doctrine and stood firm in the true faith.
Elder Burke served as clerk of the church from 1922 through 1930. In 1931, Sister
Lona Robinette was elected clerk where she continued as long as her health would
permit. She served the church for approximately 59 years.