| Church
History
Historic Overview: |
|
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church has
grown from a size of 15-16 families when the church was first organized
in 1883, to in excess of 700 families today. The present church building
was dedicated to the glory of God in 1906. The congregation of 80 members,
with their considerable vision and sacrifice erected our beautiful gothic
style church with a seating capacity of 450.
Until 1921 all regular services were
conducted in the German language. At this time, it felt there was a need
for the introduction of English services for the younger generation.
Two major revisions took place in
Zion's constitution in 1948. The first was an amendment that would allow
women to vote on congregational issues. The second was a stewardship change
from a minimum "due" to a free-will offering. This was also a significant
year marking our first all-member visitation. Radio broadcasts of our worship
service have been a form of outreach since 1947.
Zion was part of a 3-point parish
(one pastor serving 3 congregations0 with the Alice and Petawawa until
1915. As growth continued, places were made in 1951 to alleviate the crowded
Sunday School conditions. Construction of the parish hall was completed
in 1954. A committee was formed to investigate the feasibility of a sister
church in Pembroke's east end. The research found that 67 families lived
east of Mackay Street and that these members could for a new self-supporting
parish. In June of 1957, St. Timothy's congregation was formed and 195
confirmed members were transferred.
Zion's "Faith Into Action" centennial
year was celebrated in 1983. Many events occurred to honour this milestone,
one of which was a Centennial Dinner held at Thee Place with 700 people
in attendance. Major projects include renovating and painting the church.
Another was a special appeal for World Hunger to reach out to God's people
beyond Zion.
The year 1996 brought another major
change to Zion with the elevator addition. This construction project linked
the church to the parsonage which has since been converted to the administration
building. The elevator addition makes most of the facilities wheelchair
accessible. This new space includes two new Sunday School classrooms downstairs,
two handicap accessible washrooms and a lounge upstairs with a large entrance
on the ground floor.
Zion has been blessed with dedicated
pastors throughout our 115 year history as they proclaimed God's love through
Word and Sacrament. The legacy continues under the co-pastorate of Pastor Martin Malina and Pastor Svante Olson.
Praise and thanks to God for all
the blessings bestowed upon us. We pray for God's wisdom, courage and strength
as we seek to do His will and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Church Timeline:
- January 1, 1883: Congregation
established.
- November 2, 1883: Cornerstone
laid.
- July 6, 1884: First church building
dedicated.
- August 19, 1906: New church building
dedicated.
- August 12, 1928: Dedication of
new pipe organ.
- August 6, 1933: Celebration of
golden anniversary.
- December, 1948: New parsonage
completed.
- 1948: First female vote.
- March 28, 1954: Parish Hall dedicated.
- June 1957: Sister church, St.
Timothy's established.
- 1958: 75th Anniversary Celebrated
- July 22, 1969: New pipe organ
installed.
- 1976: First members of council
female.
- 1978: In conjunction with Pembroke
Sesquicentennial, Zion accepts project of installation of stained glass
windows in north wall of church building.
- 1981: 75th celebration of present
church building.
- May 15, 1983: Zion Celebrates
100th Anniversary.
- 1986: Zion joins the ELCIC.
- 1995: Elevator dedicated.
- 1998: First female pastor. |