Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Harbor Beach, Michigan

THE HISTORY OF ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Last 25 Years

Over the 125 years of Zion’s history God has guided and blessed her in every way. To describe all the evidence of God’s outpouring would be impossible in this short space. A look at the history of her physical buildings opens the doorway through which one sees God’s sheltering presence here. Let us follow the buildings, for with each new building project, God directed the congregation of Zion to step further into ministry to His people.

It began in 1872-1876 when Rev. Wm Schwartz, traveling pastor in Eastern Sanilac and Huron Counties, held small group worship in homes. The services were then taken to Redman Hall south of town. Zion held its first official voters’ meeting on August 27, 1881(125 years ago today). And in that year, the first church was constructed south of town. Rev Thomas Schoech served Zion during this time of establishment (1876-1883). The first official pastor of Zion was Rev. F. Duever (1883-1884). A parsonage was built to house him. The Christian Day School was started in 1883 and the church incorporated and joined the LCMS in 1885.

Rev. Pancratius Stamm guided the congregation from 1885-1919 during which time the presently owned lots in town were purchased and in 1890, the first church built south of town was dismantled and its materials were used to build a new church building in Harbor Beach. A new parsonage was also constructed. In 1902 the first teacher was called. In 1904 a new church was built leaving the old church to be used as a separate school building.

Christian education has always been paramount to Zion’s mission. Soon additional teachers and new classrooms were added and finally a new school was built in 1955. The old building was torn down and the new one erected in its place. Still more classrooms were added in 1966. The years of growth between 1932 and 1977 were presided over by Pastor Nuechterlein.

Growth was seen in other areas of the congregation as well. The parsonage was improved and finally replaced with a new one. A new pipe organ was installed in the church along with other physical improvements. Some old traditions gave way to new practices. Communion procedure was modified. Worship services were conducted in English as German was abandoned. Two services were held on Sunday and one of them was televised for shut-ins and long term occupants. A new usher system was instituted. VBS was conducted as an outreach ministry. Weekly Wednesday night Bible study and fellowship was added. The Memorial Garden was developed and donated by members and friends of Zion. Cemetery property was received from the former Immanuel Lutheran Church of Ruth.

Zion’s wonderful organ was rebuilt in 1980 as the congregation began its second century of ministry. In 1981 Zion’s Centennial celebration theme was “The Past in Praise-The Future in Faith.” God continued to bless His people. The staff of the church and school grew as vicars and parish assistants were added to aid in shepherding duties. Teachers were added to the school.

In 1993 the present church structure and school addition was dedicated. The building committee had been authorized to construct the needed facilities. The new sanctuary houses several features which enhance worship to the glory of God. The organ was once again rebuilt with an added rank of pipes. A hand bell choir was put in place. Stone mason Norman Kretchman skillfully constructed the stone altar as well as the sign in front of the church. Sculptor Keilhofer of Frankenmuth sculpted the crucifix which was generously donated and has become a prominent reminder of God’s great love for us. Beautiful, new stained glass windows vividly portray the prominent events in the life and ministry of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As Zion celebrated her new building, she took as her mission statement, “Making disciples for Jesus.” “Forward in His Name Together” became her thrust. The school grew and new ministries were added to the existing kindergarten through eighth grades. Preschool, daycare and after school care have been established. Each classroom has a computer lab. The school became accredited in 1997 and the accreditation was updated in 2004 under the National Lutheran School Accreditation. In recent years Zion and the public school have cooperated to provide additional enhancement classes to Zion students. Above all else, the children hear and learn God’s Word daily as they grow in their faith.

During this 125th celebration year, Zion has sought to recognize her members of all ages by honoring the different years of confirmation classes. Special services and speakers were utilized in this process. As a memorial to many and to the glory of God, a new set of steps have been donated to improve access to the church via the main Third Street entrance.


God had commanded Moses to do a census-an accounting of His people. Zion, too, has taken a census-an accounting of God’s people. Here are the totals for 125 years of ministry at Zion.

Baptisms 1607
Confirmations 1488
Weddings 555
Funerals 895

May Our Triune God bless this congregation as she faithfully uses God’s Word and His Sacraments. May God’s Holy Spirit continue to lead her as she steadfastly proclaims the never changing message of the Gospel that God loved us so that He sent His dear Son to suffer and to die in our place. He freely gives eternal life to His people. To God be all the glory.

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Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
299 Garden Street
Harbor Beach, MI 48441
(989) 479-3615

Copyright © 2010, Zion  Evangelical Lutheran Church, All Rights Reserved