Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church 1758-2008

   The origin of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church begins with a word about the Lutheran congregation founded at Dillingersville in 1734. Here, the industrious and God-fearing forefathers established an institution for worship and the training of their children. The Dillingersville congregation, which consisted of Lutheran, Reformed and Mennonite, had a difficult existence. It also had as its pastors some of the great men of American Lutheranism; among them the Patriarch, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. The Lutheran congregation remained active until about 1791, after which the facilities were then used for public school teaching.

    Some members of the Dillingersville Church became dissatisfied with the pastor, Rev. John Friederici, and withdrew to form a new congregation in Zionsville (now Old Zionsville). At a beautiful elevation on King's Highway, the road leading from Macungie to Philadelphia, a one-acre plot of land was donated by Peter Hittel on May 20, 1757. The first pastor of Zion's Lutheran Church was undoubtedly the Rev. J. M. Schafer, and the records were opened with the baptism of John Nicolaus, son of Heinrich and Eva Hertzel. Rev. J. F. Schertlein then became pastor, during which the log church was built and a cemetery established in November of 1758. The oldest known grave in the cemetery is that of Johann Jacob Agster, who was born Aug. 13, 1768 and died June 17, 1793.

   The log church served the needs of the congregation until 1819, when the Lutherans united with some members of the neighboring Reformed church to build a stone Union Church building. The cornerstone was laid on May 31, 1819, and dedicated in 1820. Very little information is available for this period, 1819-1876.

   The union relationship with the Reformed church was dissolved in 1871. In 1876, the third and present building of brick was built with a steeple visible for many miles and a large basement for Sunday School purposes. The church was again entirely Lutheran.

   This building cost $12,515.45. The bell, weighing 1575 pounds, was purchased and installed for $507.56. Just under $9,000 was subscribed (pledged) by the congregation for the new building. Many hours of labor were put In, with some people paying off their pledges in labor. In 1877, a resolution was drawn up by the subscribers that the upper story (balcony) of the church would not be occupied or dedicated until all debts were paid. The iron fence in front of the church was erected in 1889, then extended along the cemetery, replacing a stonewall in 1913.

  The Zionsville School was built sometime before 1760 as a union church school of both the Reformed and Lutheran congregations and was located near the Lutheran church. In 1841, a new two-story school was erected. It was located next to the southern corner of the Lutheran cemetery on King's Highway. In this schoolhouse, in 1842, the first Sunday School (a union school) was established under the name Zion's Sunday School. It was conducted in this building until 1858, when the members of the two churches went to the basement of the Reformed church. The Lutheran members withdrew to their new church basement in 1877. The church school was removed in 1875 or 1876. During very hot, dry weather, one can still see the outline of

the old foundation of that building because the grass dies there first.

   In 1890, the Zionsville Parish was established, comprised of Zion's, St. Paul's in Trexlertown, St. Peter's and Chestnut Hill. For short periods, it also included Zion Hill and Zion Lehigh. Rev. David C. Kaufman was elected Pastor of the Parish on February 3, 1907 and served until his death on October 29, 1955. During his ministry the congregation was incorporated.

   English services were first introduced every fourth Sunday evening in 1895. It was done to please the younger members of the congregation who were using more English. However, many older members also attended the services. The last German service was held on Harvest Home in August, 1945.

  In December of 1913 a new pipe organ was installed at a cost of $2,800. The church was wired for electric lighting in 1922 and cost $3-$5 per month to use.

  A headline in the August 25, 1924 edition of the Allentown Morning Call read "Mennonites Play Ball Better Than Lutherans." Members of the Upper Milford Mennonite Church and Zion's Lutheran Church met for the annual Sunday School outing on Saturday, August 24^th at Dorney Park. A large table was spread with plenty picnic food. The ball game ended with a score 11 -0, in favor of the Mennonites.

   Extensive alterations and renovations were made to the interior of the church in 1929-1930 at an expenditure of $25,000. During this period services were held in the Reformed church. Some of the major renovations consisted of the installation of cathedral chimes, chancel furnishings, and indoor toilet facilities. Rededication services were held for five days in 1930, beginning Sunday, May 11^th.

   Community Lenten services were begun in 1939 with three congregations participating-Zion's Lutheran, Upper Milford Mennonite, and the Old Zionsville Reformed. This ecumenical spirit has continued and grown in the community with four congregations participating in various services throughout the year.

   In 1942 the last of the horse sheds, located on the edge of the cemetery on the east side of the church, were removed.

  In 1946 the Union School and Church Association was reorganized to commemorate the founding and work of the Dillingersville Church and School. An annual pilgrimage on the last Sunday in June has been held from 1946 to the present time.

  On December 16, 1955, a resolution was passed to withdraw from the Zionsville Parish. A parsonage was erected on a plot of land across from Kings Highway School, which was donated by the Clarence Krammes family. On September 16, 1956, Rev. Luther J. Linn became the first minister to serve only Zion's. Up until this time, previous pastors served up to as many as four churches. Worship services were held every Sunday beginning in 1956.

   The year 1957 saw many changes at Zion's. Steeple lights were installed, white stucco was applied to the exterior of the building, new hymnals were purchased, Vacation Bible School began, Lutheran Church Women organized, and the Luther League (a youth ministry) also organized. The Lutheran Church Men organized in 1959, and that same year the first Christmas Eve Candlelight Service was held.

  
  On April 21, 1963 ground was broken for a Christian Education addition, and renovations to the Sunday School facilities were begun. The cornerstone was laid September 29, 1963 and the addition and renovations were dedicated April 12, 1964.

  The Rev. Sherwood L. Dieter was elected on December 28, 1968, and installed as pastor of Zion's on March 23, 1969. During his pastorate, many opportunities were provided for wider participation by our young people In the life and work of the church. A Youth Folk Choir was organized and annual week­end retreats were begun. The constitution was amended to allow youth to serve on the church council and girls also began to serve as acolytes. In 1971 the three-year program of catechetical instruction and early communion for children began.

  In November, 1970 the congregation approved the use of lay assistants at worship services. The first woman in the congregation's history was elected to church council, thus opening the door for wider service by women members.

  A $31,000 renovations program was approved in 1974. Included were repairs to and enlarging of the organ, a new nave ceiling, painting of the nave, along with other repairs. Other improvements over the next ten years included paving the parking lot, carpeting the nave and balcony, and installation of a new amplifier system.

   Worship services began to be taped in order to allow shut-ins and those with illness to be able to hear God's Will. During this decade the Lutheran Book of Worship was introduced providing a new liturgy for congregations of the Lutheran Church in America.

  In 1987 Zion's called Rev. Jerel W. Gade and Rev. Mary W. Gade, its first husband-wife team, its first woman pastor and the first time in its history it was served by a pastor and an associate pastor. Children's sermons were introduced to the congregation. An additional Sunday worship service was established--an 8:15 a.m. Service of Word and Prayer. A single service at 9:00 a.m. during the months of July and August was also instituted. A team of volunteer coordinators was formed to coordinate time and talents of members. They also developed a picture board directory in the social hall.

  On October 28, 1990, the first bell choir (the Jubilation Ringers) made their debut. The director of the bell choir was added to the church budget as a paid staff person.

  During the early 1990's Zion's established several teams of volunteers who traveled to St. Croix and Florida to assist in re-building those areas following destructive hurricanes. Providing a monthly meal for Daybreak was also begun.

  In 1995 Rev. Jerel Gade resigned to accept a call to St. Peter's Union Church, Macungie. Upon agreement by the Synod and the congregation, Pastor Mary Gade was called to the full-time pastorate.

  In 1997 the early Sunday worship service was expanded to include a piano accompanist.

  The year 1998 saw the 8:15 a.m. service changed to use the With One Voice liturgy settings--a more contemporary setting than the Lutheran Book of Worship. A second bell choir for young beginners (the Alpha Bells) was organized.

  On February 1, 1999 the Rev. C. Frank Terhune became Zion's twenty-fifth pastor. We dedicated the latest addition to the church which included new offices, the Upper Room (a large area for social gatherings) and an elevator and bathrooms to make the building handicapped accessible. A book club (Volumes of Faith) was begun. Additional mailings to the community were sent at Easter and Christmas to inform them of seasonal services. Community Dayz (underwritten by Aid Association for Lutherans) was held in the fall as a fund-raising event for a local charity. Fully Rely On God (FROG) nights were held during the summer to provide a family-oriented activity.

  During the year 2000 Zion's became involved in the SHARE program which provides the opportunity to purchase produce and other food and meat products at reduced prices (with two hours of community service). A bereavement support group also met in the new facility and was open to the community. OZ Kids, an after-school program, was set up to meet the needs of families who required child care on Wednesdays (early dismissal days). Semi-annual services for shut-ins were held, ending with a light lunch and fellowship.

   A children's vocal choir was re-activated in the year 2001. A two-octave set of chimes was purchased for use by the bell choirs.

   The biggest undertaking in 2002 was the creation of an indoor Lenten prayer garden for meditation purposes. Pew cushions were placed on the pews, new choir gowns were purchased, the CCLI license was purchased to provide variety in our music, wireless microphones were secured through-..a memorial gift and placed in service, recognition of the organist for 40 years of service, stewardship emphasis was done in small groups, and a special mission project for our sister synod in Argentina.

  During the year 2003 our Confirmation Youth Ministry embarked on their first Youth Works mission project to western Pennsylvania. Plans were prepared for a Memorial Garden to the cemetery.

  The distribution of the Lord's Supper to third and fourth graders was implemented in 2004, following instruction and parental approval. The Memorial Garden was installed and dedicated.

  In January 2005, we welcomed Interim Pastor Stanley R. Trout on a part-time basis. Pastor Trout agreed to remain with Zion's until a new full-time pastor was called.

  During 2005 the age for first communion was lowered to the age of 6 dependent upon a child's readiness to receive the Lord's Supper (following instruction and parental approval).

  Late in the year of 2005 the Church Council voted to discontinue the 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship service (beginning January, 2006).

  Currently Zion's is host to a monthly senior drop-in center which has proven to be popular, a historical group, and a local women's group. Our building is available for use by community groups.

   Pastor Stanley Trout was welcomed in January, 2005 as Interim Pastor (part-time basis) and served until this vacancy was filled in September, 2006.

   The 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship service was discontinued beginning January, 2006, largely due to lack of attendance.

   Rev. Martin A. Milne began his call to Zion’s as its 26th pastor on September 8, 2006. His installation service was held the afternoon of October 15th. 

   During the month of January, 2007, the entire church was set up for wireless satellite accessibility. Zion’s served as a remote location for the Trinity Institute National Theological Conference, “God’s Unfinished Future (Why It Matters Now).” This was expected to be the first of many opportunities to provide access to future conferences and seminars of this type.

   Currently Zion’s is host to a monthly senior drop-in center which has proven to be popular, a historical group, and a local women’s group. Our building is available for use by community groups and family gatherings.

   After 249 years, Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, one of Lehigh County’s oldest congregations, keeps moving forward in its service to God. Twenty-six (26) pastors have served the congregation since 1758. Zion’s continues to proclaim God’s Word to all people. Our prayer is that her future will be ever greater than her past, as her people worship, study, and serve, always in the spirit of pleasing God.