Our History

Zion Lutheran Church was founded by German Lutherans who settled in the Mt. Olive area in 1854. The congregation was organized under the leadership of Rev. H. Mueller with 10 charter members. Initially, worship services were held at the home of John Niemann, but in 1856, William Whitehouse donated a frame house for the congregation to use for worship. In 1860, the congregation purchased a frame church, which served as both church and school. In 1866, a new church building was erected with a pipe organ and bells. In 1986, the congregation began construction on a new building, but progress was delayed when a tornado destroyed it. The cornerstone was laid in September 1986, and the new building was dedicated in February 1987. The old parsonage, school building, and contents of the old buildings, including the church, were sold at auction in July 1987. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed in the same year. See the full timeline here.

View more historical pictures of our church here.